1. Ambiguity & Transformations
Deny A. Kwary
Airlangga University

2. Ambiguity: a word, phrase or sentence with multiple meanings
Synthetic buffalo hides (NP)
Synthetic buffalo hides (NP)
Synthetic buffalo hides
Synthetic buffalo hides
Buffalo hides that are synthetic.
Hides of synthetic buffalo.

3. Ambiguities often lead to humorous results
For sale: an antique desk suitable for lady with thick legs and large drawers.
 what does “thick legs and large drawers” refer to?
The desk or the lady?

4. Structural Ambiguity (1) The boy saw the man with the telescopeNP
Aux VP
Det N V NP PP
Det N P NP
Det N
The
boy
past
saw
the
man
with
the
telescope

5. Structural Ambiguity (2) The boy saw the man with the telescopeNP
Aux VP
Det NP N V
Det N PP P NP
Det N
The
boy
past
saw
the
man
with
the
telescope

6. Draw two phrase structure trees representing the two meanings of the sentence:
The magician touched the child with the wand.
Be sure you indicate which meaning goes with which tree.

7. Declarative – Interrogative
Move the auxiliary to the left of the subject.
The boy will leave. S
Will the boy leave? S NP
Aux VP
Aux NP VP
Det N V
Det N V
The
boy
will
leave
Will
the
boy
leave
The deep structure
The surface structure

8. The Wh Movement S NP Aux VP Det NP N V Det N The man should repair
Surface structure: Which car should the man repair?
Deep structure: S NP
Aux VP
Det NP N V
Det N
The
man
should
repair
which
car

9. Draw the deep structure of the following sentences (adapted from #10 & 11, p.242)
Will the boss hire Hillary?
Is that player leaving the team?
Who should the director call?
What is Joanne eating?

10. That’s All For Today See You Next Week Deny A. Kwary
Airlangga University