ABSTRACT
This article embarks the definition, classification and function of the English newspaper headline, and the present research of English newspaper headline ambiguity, the lexical ambiguity，syntactic ambiguity，semantic structural. Then we can analyze three causes of ambiguity of English newspaper headlines, the culture ambiguity, vocabulary ambiguity and idiom ambiguity, finally we can seek for the four strategies of avoiding the ambiguity.
The significance of my study lies in the probability that via a thorough analysis of the ambiguity in English newspaper headlines, people would be easier to avoid it or to figure it out in the shortest time. It is of great value and importance to explore ambiguities in English newspaper headlines to have a better understanding and commanding of English newspaper headlines and to be good for English teaching, reading and translating. Ambiguity is always the focus in every walk of life, and remains to be, not only in linguistic field, but also in commercial circle and any other field. The study on ambiguity has far-reaching theoretical significance and high practical values.
1. Introduction 1
2. The definition、classification and function of newspaper headline 3
2.1 The definition of headline 3
2.2 The classification of headline 4
2.3 The function of headline 5
3. Research on English newspaper headline ambiguity 6
3.1 Present manifestation of English newspaper headline ambiguity 6
3.2 Cause of ambiguity in English newspaper headline 11
4. Ways for resolving ambiguity in English newspaper headline 15
4.1 Make headline simple and clear 15
4.2 Add comment words 17
4.3 Use proverb 17
4.4 Use rhyme 18
5. Conclusion 20
Acknowledgements 21
References 22
