Semantic Ambiguity

The language we use in the nomenclature of prompts/labels in human-product interfaces is a vital consideration in design. More so in today's and future context with diverse users and IT consumer durables becoming more affordable and common place. The interfaces of products such as ATMs, mobiles, home computers, cameras, TVs, etc. Whats prompted me to write is the semantic ambiguities that exist. Lets analyse/question a few commonly phrased prompts which we have been seeing since digital technology became domestic.
Take the search prompt. When someone tells me to search for something it means either something is lost, misplaced or hidden somewhere! It could also mean that the system has got all of it jumbled up somewhere (like in a haystack) and you look for it, if you find it good luck to you pal!! This nomenclature has probably evolved from a developers stand point and remained unquestioned and users eventually got used to its function. I believe that the metaphor 'search' is inappropriate both ways: its inducing a sense of ambiguity to the user (which he/she has not realised) and more importantly fixated the back end design development not allowing it to be re-interpreted.
The cancel & clear buttons on ATMs which appear one below the other, ambiguity in meaning and action. The menu in mobiles, a very interesting analogy but the eventual functionality it offers doesn't really fit and there many users I have spoken to who are unable to connect menu to functions like messages, setting, clock,etc.
As we move towards times when these products are going to get abundantly used by people across regional languages and cultures the semantics and the related analogy or metaphors need to be sensibly thought over/rephrased and adopted. This equally applies to the icon designs as well which today are quiet complex, an interesting area of design opportunity for cross cultural penetration of products. There are am sure experts in semantics of digital media constantly researching about these aspects but it we don't see it being applied in all the everyday newer versions coming into the market.
I believe a richer/human user experience is when instead of 'LOG IN', I say... 'AND YOU ARE' (in Hindi it would sound ' AUR AAP HAIN!')...kind of semantic!!