"Does this dress make me look fat?" ...the ultimate question for an ambiguous answer. As our book states on pg. 98, "Clarity is not always advantageous, even in a low-context culture like ours, and ambiguity can sometimes help, rather than hinder, communication." Although in general I think people should tell the truth, there is a time and place for everything including ambiguity; that is as long as it's done tactfully and sincerely.
The other reason I find ambiguity useful besides to avoid offending people is when someone makes me give an answer that I don't want to be held to. I don't know if anyone else has a friend like this, but I once had this friend who would remember Everything I said, word-for-word, and then feel free to use it to his advantage. Believe me, I became a master of saying ambiguous things in that relationship! Although this sounds a bit manipulative, politicians and other formal institutions do it all the time, especially when put on the spot and not given enough time to think about the answer they really want to be held to.
So in conclusion, although I advocate telling the truth, I believe ambiguous speech definitely has a valid place in communication.
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Commeleon,
ReplyDeleteAmbiguity is definitely apart of our daily communication. I believe it's there whether or not we want it to be. Sometime's we say things or ask questions that can be interpreted many different ways. "Does this dress make me look fat?" . . . That’s the ultimate ambiguous question that every man dreads hearing.
Something to consider when referring to ambiguity is the impact of modern day technological advancements. Meaning, how does social media play a role in ambiguous language used by us? It plays a large role. I can't tell you how many times I have received text messages from people, and not known they are joking or being serious. This is a topic that will continue to be involved in our daily language.
I liked the example that you used here, Commeleon! I've personally tried to avoid ever asking anyone, man or woman, that question, but I agree that sometimes we cannot be direct at all times.
ReplyDeleteIt's important to remember the personal sensitivities of someone that you're talking to. For example, making a joke about the war may amuse some people who do not agree with it, but would offend the families of a veteran or serving soldier. While we cannot be 100% ambiguous all the time--as clear, direct language is most easily understood--as long as we keep people's sensitivities in mind, we should be all right.