Agnonymy As A Communicative Problem: Cognitive, Pragmatic, And Ethical Dimensions Of Obscure And Manipulative Language Use

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of agnonymy as a communicative problem that disrupts the clarity, accuracy, and ethical integrity of discourse. Agnonymy refers to the use of obscure, ambiguous, or misleading linguistic forms that conceal rather than convey meaning. It manifests across multiple domains—linguistic, psychological, and sociocultural—affecting interpersonal communication, political rhetoric, and media narratives. Through the application of discourse analysis, semantic theory, and pragmatics, the study identifies the mechanisms and consequences of agnonymic communication. Findings suggest that agnonymy functions both as a symptom of cognitive deficiency and as a manipulative rhetorical strategy, undermining mutual understanding and communicative ethics.