Исследовательский проект по теме "Сокращения в английском языке"

Municipal Autonomous Educational Institution

«Secondary  general education school №1»

«Abbreviations in written and spoken language in English»

Research project

                                                                              Doer

Malkova Taisya

9B class student

Head

A.G. Mubarakzyanova

Teacher of English

Alapayevsk 2020

Contents

Introduction........................................................................................................3

Chapter 1.  Abbreviation and its place in the English language  system.................................................................................................................5

1.1 The concept of abbreviation and abbreviation................................... …….5

1.2 Types of abbreviations.................................................................................7

1.3 Ways of forming abbreviations.......................................................................................................8

1.4 Use of abbreviations in written and spoken language..................................10

Chapter 2. The practical part..............................................................................12

Conclusion..........................................................................................................13

The list of literature.............................................................................................14

Appendix.............................................................................................................15

Introduction

A lot of people want to learn foreign languages and I'm no exception.

And I wondered: if there are generally accepted abbreviations in the English language, and what abbreviations there are on the Internet? I decided to find answers to the questions I was interested in. And when I started looking for answers, I was pleasantly surprised by the relevance of this problem.

In English and American films, TV series, cartoons, on the pages of popular bloggers, we can often come across abbreviations in English. And they are understood not only by native speakers, but also by the majority of teenagers and young people. That is, these words-reductions become international and understandable to young people around the world.

While writing we often come across different types of abbreviations, in Russian language we do not think about them, because they are well understood: etc., etc., and others. We see such reductions in books, print publications, announcements. Also today it is popular to communicate through the Internet, social networks. Those who communicate in this way are "possessed" by a special "language." Of course, the language of the Internet has many abbreviations.

But sometimes the abbreviations in SMS correspondence can baffle even people who have been studying a foreign language for a long time. In the course of this work, we will try to define the basic principles of word abbreviation and identify the most popular and recognizable abbreviations. Sometimes ignorance and misuse of a reduction can lead to a rather awkward situation or not understanding what the interlocutor wants to express by a particular phrase.

Problem:  sometimes ignorance and misuse of a reduction can lead to a rather awkward situation or not understanding what the interlocutor wants to express by a particular phrase.

The purpose of the work: creating a brief dictionary of English abbreviations for informal (free) communication

To reach  the purpose, the main tasks are:

1. to study abbreviations and its place in the English language system

2. to identify the features and ways of forming abbreviations in modern English.

3. To conduct a survey among 9th grade students to determine the level of understanding of English abbreviations

4. Make a short dictionary of abbreviations in English.

The object of study:  English language .

The subject of study:  English abbreviations.

The hypothesis:  if students engage in understanding phrases and translating them, their interest and  level of learning English will  increased, as a result.

The practical use of the project is a brief dictionary of English abbreviations

Chapter 1. Abbreviation  and its place in the English language system

1.1 The concept of abbreviation

In the twentieth century, abbreviation became one of the most productive ways to replenish the vocabulary of many languages, including English. The emergence in modern languages of a large number of abbreviated lexical units is undoubtedly one of the consequences of the scientific and technological revolution, which has given rise to many new social concepts, which need to be given names, to enshrine them in the language. The most intensive abbreviation develops precisely to replenish new, rapidly developing branches of science and technology: cosmonautics, radio electronics, nuclear power, computer technology. The use of abbreviated words and phrases is widespread in Anglo-American scientific, technical and socio-political literature.

Abbreviation as a way of word formation represents a complex, multifaceted phenomenon that has its roots in the distant past. The proliferation of abbreviations is associated with the appearance in life of complex phenomena and concepts requiring for their designation of phrases or complex words. The meaning of the abbreviation in the communication process is to express one's thoughts more sparingly and eliminate the redundancy of information. In abbreviations, the information is transmitted by a smaller number of characters, so the "capacity" of each sign is greater than in the corresponding concept. It turns out that abbreviation serves as a method of optimizing speech. The urgency of the abbreviation lies in the need to name new concepts and devices.

The clearest example of the successful functioning of abbreviations and acronyms in modern English is the well-known expression of O.K. Many Americans are convinced that D.C. is an exclusively American expression. However, according to some linguists, its origin is European. For example, it may be the initial letters of the German Oberst Kommandant (Supreme Command) or, according to the French, come from the name of the town auh Sauas in Haiti, where rum is produced of the best quality. American scientist, English teacher at Columbia University Allen Walker Reed decided to scientifically prove the local origin of OK, and for this purpose studied 12 versions. One of them was related to the Orrin Kendl biscuits, which were supplied by soldiers during the U.S. Civil War. According to another version, it is an acronym for the term telegrapher Oren Keu ("open key").

In fact, Allen argues, the word first appeared in a satirical article about bad spelling published in the Boston Morning Post in 1839, in the form of Oll Korrect (rather than all correct). In 1840 it was used as the initials Old Kinderhook (a pseudonym for Martin van Buren, the 8th President of the United States). In calls for his never-before-seen re-election, his supporters wrote: "Vote OK." However, other researchers believe that the word has a more ancient origin: for example, it may belong to Indians who used okeh as an affirmative answer.

As the researchers (V.P. Danilenko, D.I. Alexeyev, R.I. Mogilevsky) rightly note, "the abbreviations, which have spread widely throughout the world, are not a specific feature of a separate nation, a separate language. Abbreviation is inherent not only in English, but also in other languages, and the reasons for its development should be sought not in the peculiarities of national language or national thinking, but in the general laws of human society development, the organization of human memory and perception."

The abbreviation is called morphological word formation, in which some part of the sound composition of the original word descends.

An abbreviation is a word formed by the abbreviation of a word or phrase and read by the alphabetical name of the initial letters or by the initial sounds of the words included in it. What is abbreviation? dictionary of linguistic terms gives the following definition: abbreviation (from Lat. Ab - from q  brevio - shorten) - is a way of forming words (named nouns) from other words or phrases.

1.2 Types of abbreviations

From the point of view of stylistic affiliation in the English language, there are two types of abbreviations: conventional (formal) and slang (informal).

Generally accepted (formal) reductions

These are abbreviations typical of oral and written speech of any style. They are relevant and business conversations, and in everyday speech, and in scientific works, and in any other areas.

Many of the common abbreviations came from Latin:

a.m. - ante meridiem - in the morning (morning);

p.m. - post meridiem - in the afternoon(evening)

In addition to Latinisms, there are also traditional abbreviations:

Mr . ..);

Mrs - Mistress(Mrs.)

The names of the days of the week in English are reduced to two or three letters:

Mon/Mo - Monday(Monday));

Tue/Tu - Tuesday(Tuesday)

Generally accepted are the abbreviations of the names of the months:

Jan. - January (January));

Feb. - February (Feb.)

All these reductions are appropriate both in the official setting and in informal communication.

Informal (slang) cuts

These are the abbreviations that are used in informal speech:

BD/BDAY - birthday

BB - baby (baby, affectionate appeal to a loved one);

BTW - by the way (by the way));

IDK - I don't know (I don't know);

BRB - (I'll) Be right back ).

Such abbreviations are more typical of written speech, but some gradually move into oral (e.g. BRB, IDK).

1.3 Ways of forming abbreviations English

Most abbreviations are formed by connecting words or phrases, throwing out "extra" letters and sounds. The main ways to build cuts are:

Using an apostrophe

Apostrophe is an over-the-top symbol that refers to the release of letters or whole combinations of letters. For example:

I'm — I am;

You’re — You are;

He’s — He is;

Use the initial letters of the words that make up the phrase

In written speech, sustainable expressions are often reduced to abbreviations:

ILNY — I love New York;

ASAP — As soon as possible;

TU (TY) — Thank you;

LOL — Laughing out loud.

Soundproofing

This method involves replacing a word or phrase with similar letters:

B - to be (tobe);

R — are;

U - you(you,, you);

C - to see);

CU - See You);

How RU? — How are you? (How are you?).

Using numbers

Native speakers often replace a whole word or its individual elements with similar numbers:

GR8 - Great);

4GET - Forget);

4 - For(for);

2 - to/too (particle to/also);

L8R - later (later);

SOM1 - someone(someone-);

2nite - tonight(tonight) );

2day - today (today);

4ever - forever (forever (forever).

Throwing out vowels

To shorten the words on the letter from them simply remove all vowels:

WKND - Weekend (weekend);

WR - Were (a form of past time from verb to be)

PLS, PL ' Please(please);

THKS - Thanks).

All of these methods often complement each other and are used together. For example, Be back soon (soon to return) shorten as BBS - here uses sound embeating and abbreviation.

1.4 Use of abbreviations in written and spoken language

Communication on the Internet should be fast, and abbreviated versions of words and expressions increase the speed of printing. Therefore, Internet users have developed their slang, which is used in all informal correspondence:

Abbreviations in oral speech

Abbreviated forms are often found in the oral speakers of the language. In linguistics, this phenomenon is known as reduction - changing the sound, weakening it or eliminating it completely. As a result of the reduction, the sounds become shorter and speech is faster and easier.

Typical abbreviations:

Going to (going to do something);

Gotta - got to (have to do something);

Wanna - want to (want to do something);

'Cuz - because (because);

Dunno - (I) don't know (don't know);

In the flow of speech, native speakers often break the rules: they reduce not only words, but also grammatical structures. For example, the phrase "What do you want to do now?" (What do you want to do now?) turns into "Whatcha wanna do now?". The subject connects with the question word, and the verb simply disappears. The same thing happens with the question "What are you going to do?" (What are you going to do?), which as a result of the reduction looks like "Whatcha gonna do?".

In oral speech the ending -ing is often reduced to -in:

Whatcha doin’? — What are you doing? (What are you doing??)

I'll be waitin' for you. - I'll be waiting for you(I'll wait for you).

These abbreviations refer to informal speech. They should not be used in "correct" speech at work, business talks or scientific conferences. On the letter, such abbreviations occur when someone's words are conveyed in the dialogue. Some people never pronounce abbreviated forms, considering them a sign of under-education and speech poverty. However, it is these forms that make conversational speech more relaxed and natural.

Abbreviations are very common in colloquial English and are much less common in writing. We can use abbreviations in friendly correspondence, but they are usually inappropriate in more formal texts. If you're texting a friend, use any abbreviations you both understand. If you are writing an essay, business letter or a commercial proposal, informal abbreviations are best omitted. The only exception to this rule is citation. If you need to reproduce someone's direct speech or dialogue in your text, using abbreviations will not be considered a mistake.

In colloquial speech, abbreviations are used constantly. However, it is also worth paying attention to the situation in which you are. By communicating in an informal setting (at a party, at a bar, with friends or colleagues), you can use any options for abbreviations. But in an official conversation - at an interview, negotiations, a business meeting - it is better to refrain from abbreviated phrases.

Using abbreviations is one of the best ways to sound natural when you speak English. Knowing the abbreviations and the specifics of their use, you will be able to better understand native speakers and communicate more freely. The main thing is to keep the balance and understand when slang is appropriate, and when it is better to use the literary version of the English language.

Chapter 2. The practical part

To approve or disapprove  the hypothesis that young people who learn English know or understand modern English abbreviations, a questionnaire was conducted among the 9th grade students on the topic "Do you know modern abbreviations in English?". A total of 25 people participated in the survey.

The study found that 40 per cent of those asked had never heard of any of the English cuts. 25% of students have heard and can decipher 1 to 5 abbreviations. From 6 to 9 reductions were able to understand 12% of students. 5% of respondents are familiar with ten cuts or more. That is, the majority of people studying English (60% of all respondents) met abbreviations in English.

The most understandable abbreviations for schoolchildren were: OK,, OMG,LOL, V.I.P (know 51% of respondents).

If we consider 5 types of SMS abbreviations, the abbreviations by the 1st letter of expression are the most recognizable. Only TGIF, IMO, ROFL caused complexity.

One of the easiest to decrypt were abbreviations with skipping letters. Cuts such as pls (please) - please msg (message) - message, abt (about) - about, did not cause much difficulty to understand. Thus, the reduction of pls (please) learned 32% of respondents, msg (message) know 14%, abt (about) familiar 16%.

After conducting the survey, we came to the conclusion that it is necessary to create a short dictionary of abbreviations for schoolchildren to increase the level  of spoken and written English-language abbreviations.

Conclusion

In the course of this work, I have learned that there are two types of abbreviations in English: formal and informal. I also learned that these abbreviations are formed in a variety of ways: using apostrophes or abbbreviation, sound, using numbers, and throwing out vowels. All of these methods are often used together. In English, abbreviations are found in both oral and written language.

I conducted a questionnaire among 9B class students, which led to the founding that teenagers are not familiar with English acronyms and do not understand their meanings very well. Ignorance of common abbreviations does lead to a misunderstanding of what is said or written in the text.

 Doing this work, we have learned the concepts of "abbreviation" and "reduction." Modern English acronyms used by the younger generation in texting and internet communication were also considered. We have identified several types of text messages and given popular examples of each.

In the course of the work, it was found that the most recognizable reductions among English language students were abbreviations: OMG, LOL, IMHO. Our hypothesis in the course of the work was confirmed. know and understand modern English acronyms. The survey found that all the types of modern abbreviations we are considering are generally understandable to students.

But our research on this topic is not over.

The fact is that there are still many types of abbreviations in the English language that are not part of the work, but which should be known. Thus, my hypothesis was confirmed.

List of used literature

1. Kachalova K.N., IsraelVich E.E. Practical Grammar of English. - M.: Junves Liszt, 2000. - 717s.

2. The Oxford English - Russian Dictionary. - Oxford-Moscow: Oxford University Press, 1999. - 734c.

3. CyberLeninka Science Library: http://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/mesto-abbreviatsii-v-slovoobrazovatelnoy-sisteme-sovremennogo-angliyskogo-yazyka#ixzz4bHraTc3B

4. Http://acronym.net.ru Dictionary

5. Source: http://francelex.ru/delovoj-francuzskij/francuzskie-abbreviatury.html

6. http://www.textologia.ru/slovari/lingvisticheskie-terminy/abbreviaciya/?q=486&n=273

7. Dictionary of Russian language by Dal’  http://slovorus.ru/index.php?ID=199909&pg=1&w=%C0%C1%C1%D0%C5%C2%C8%C0%D6%C8%DF&s=%C0&a=

Appendix № 1

Appendix №2

Январь / Янв. - January / Jan

Февраль / Фев. - February / Feb

Март / Мрт. - March / Mar

Апрель / Апр. - April / Apr

Май / Май - May / May

Июнь / Июн - June / Jun

Июль / Июл - July / Jul

Август / Авг. - August / Aug

Сетябрь / Сен. / Сент. - September / Sep

Октябрь / Окт. - October / Oct

Ноябрь / Нбр. / Нояб. - November / Nov

Декабрь / Дек. - December / Dec

Понедельник / Пн / Пон. - Monday / Mon

Вторник / Вт. / Втр. - Tuesday / Tue

Среда / Ср. - Wednesday / Wed

Четверг / Чт. / Чтв. - Thursday / Thu

Пятница / Пт - Friday / Fri

Суббота / Сб / Сбт. - Saturday / Sat

Воскресенье / Вс / Вскр. - Sunday / Sun

Appendix №3

n – noun–сущ. - существительное

v – verb–глаг. - глагол

adj – adjective– прил. - прилагательное

adv – adverb–нареч. - наречие

pron – pronoun–местоим. - местоимение

prep – preposition–прд. - предлог

num – numeral–числ. - числительное

conj – conjunction –сз.–союз

pl – plural – мн.ч.- множественное число

s/sing – singular – ед.ч.- единственное число

poss – possessive –притяж. - притяжательный

colloq – colloquial – разг.- разговорный (слово обычно употребляется в разговорной речи)

abbr – abbreviated – скрщ.- сокращенный

p – page–стр. - страница

Appendix №4

a.m. / p.m. (ante meridiem/post meridiem) –in the morning/in the afternoon – до полудня/после

e.g. (exampli gratia) – for example -например

etc. (et cetera) – so on –и так далее

i.e. (id est) – that is –то есть

NB (nota bene) – mark well-внимание!

AD (Anno Domini) – нашей эры.

BC – Before Christ-до нашей эры.

CV - curriculum vitae [kərɪkjυləm'vi:taɪ] – resume- резюме

vs (versus) – против, по сравнению с

Appendix №5

Mr (Mister) – мистер

Mrs (Mistress) – миссис

Dr (Doctor) – доктор

St (Saint) – святой

Blvd. (boulevard) – бульвар

Emb. (embankment) – набережная

Ave. (avenue) – проспект

Sq. (square) – площадь

B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) – бакалавр наук

M.A. (Master of Arts) – магистр искусств

Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) – кандидат наук

M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) – доктор медицинских наук

Appendix №6

Общеприняты сокращения

Did not = Didn’t Have not = Haven’t Does not = Doesn’t are not = aren’t

Couldnot = Couldn’t

С глаголом can частица not ведет себя по-особенному. Во-первых, они всегда пишутся слитно: Cannot

Во-вторых, при их сокращении, удвоенная n отбрасывается: Cannot = Can’t

Также стоит запомнить исключение при сокращении глагола will и частицы not:

Will not = Won’t

Если подлежащее выражено местоимением, то вспомогательный глагол может быть сокращен при помощи апострофа.(').

I’m = I am

I’ll = I will

It’s = It has / It is

You’d = You would / You did / You had

you’ve = you have

we’re = we are

Также существует общепринятое сокращение с местоимением us:

Let’s = Let us. Давайте. Let’s start. Давайте начнем или начнем.

Let’s go. Пошли.

Appendix №7

Общепринятые сокращения при размещении в номерах отелей

Общепринятые сокращения видов питания

Appendix 8