Graphic Abbreviations and Acronyms in Teaching Ukrainian and English to Students of Philology

Abstract

Abbreviations, acronyms and initial contractions are important elements of modern language practice that require special attention in teaching. In particular, compression word formation, which includes Latin abbreviations, plays a significant role in the formation of new linguistic units used in such areas as business, politics and communication. The dynamics of the emergence and evolution of these forms are evident, which complicates the work of translators and requires constant updating of dictionary resources.

Despite their secondary nomination, abbreviations and acronyms are capable of conveying more information than traditional lexical items. This article discusses different types of abbreviations that are implemented at the level of natural human language. They play an important role in the modern mass media discourse, simplifying complex sentences and ensuring fast communication. Due to the dominance of English in the global discourse, the use of English abbreviations in the Ukrainian media is growing, which creates additional challenges for translators.

The study of graphic abbreviations and acronyms is relevant to the development of philology and language education. In particular, the consideration of acronyms, initial abbreviations and Latin abbreviations in teaching Ukrainian and English to students of philology is a promising area.

The purpose of the study is to describe the main techniques of translating English abbreviations and acronyms into Ukrainian using examples from the media discourse.

Methods included analysis and synthesis of scientific literature, descriptive method, translation analysis on the examples from the BBC news website containing initial abbreviations and acronyms.

The results of the research show that the study of the use of abbreviations in the English and Ukrainian mass media discourse, the identification of the main translation options, and the analysis of lexical and grammatical features of these abbreviations demonstrate significant progress in linguistic research and translation. Transcoding (mostly transliteration, less transcribing), synonymous substitution, calque (literal translation) are the basic techniques of translating abbreviations into Ukrainian; permutation, decompression, and descriptive translation are also used to render the meaning appropriately. 

The results obtained can be useful for philology teachers, journalists and linguists who are interested in understanding the mechanisms of functioning of contractions in the modern language.