ABSTRACT
One starting point for looking at form, function and ambiguity is what is known as Speech Act Theory. Aristotle's way of looking at things covers up a separate point. Language is not merely used to describe, but to make things happen, to have an effect on the world - people seek to do things with words. JL Austin suggested a three-way distinction into what he called locution, illocution and perlocution. However, for the purposes one might say that, roughly speaking, locution is apparent, propositional meaning, illocution is concerned with the intention of the speaker, and perlocution is concerned with the effect on the listener. Part of the ambiguity of language in use is that the same phrases may differ with regard to locution, illocution and perlocution. Ambiguity between intention and effect can be used for creative purposes as well. In one sense, this draws attention both to the role of language and to the importance of the intention/effect distinction.
