By Fiodorov Natalia

Shortening
 Agenda
01. Introduction
02.Types of Shortening
03.Shortening
Adverb,The Role of Adverbs in

04.Implications of Shortening
05.Conclusion
01 Introduction
Shortening is a common linguistic phenomenon
in which parts of words are omitted to create
shorter versions, often while maintaining the
original meaning. This process occurs in various
languages and serves to streamline
communication, making it faster and more
efficient.
01 Introduction
Shortening can be observed in different forms, such
as abbreviations, acronyms, initialisms, clippings, and
blends. This report explores the various types of
shortening and their implications for language use,
with a focus on the role of adverbs in this context, as
well as the contributions of scholars and researchers
in the field.
 Types of
02 Shortening
1. Abbreviations
Abbreviations involve the reduction of
words or phrases to a shorter form, often
by omitting certain letters or syllables. For
example, "Dr." is an abbreviation of
"Doctor," and "etc." stands for "et cetera."
Abbreviations are frequently used in writing
to save space and in speech to save time.
 Types of
02 Shortening
2. Acronyms
Acronyms are formed from the initial letters
of a series of words and are pronounced as
a single word. For instance, "NASA"
(National Aeronautics and Space
Administration) and "UNICEF" (United
Nations International Children's Emergency
Fund) are acronyms. Acronyms often
become lexicalized, meaning they are
accepted into the language as new words.
 Types of
02 Shortening
3. Initialisms
Initialisms are similar to acronyms but are
pronounced as individual letters rather than
as a word. Examples include "FBI" (Federal
Bureau of Investigation) and "ATM"
(Automated Teller Machine). Initialisms are
common in technical and professional
contexts.
 Types of
02 Shortening
4. Clippings
Clipping involves the reduction of a word
by removing one or more syllables. Common
examples include "ad" for "advertisement,"
"lab" for "laboratory," and "demo" for
"demonstration." Clipping is especially
prevalent in informal speech.
 Types of
02 Shortening
5. Blends
Blends are created by combining parts of
two or more words to form a new word.
Examples include "brunch" (breakfast +
lunch) and "smog" (smoke + fog). Blends
often emerge to describe new concepts or
phenomena.
 Adverb
03 An adverb is a versatile part of speech that modifies or
describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb in a sentence.
It provides additional information about how an action is
performed, when it happens, where it occurs, or to what
extent. Here are some key points about adverbs:
 Adverb
03 Modifying Verbs: Adverbs often modify verbs by answering questions such as
"how?", "when?", "where?", or "to what extent?" For example:
How?: She sings beautifully.
When?: He arrived yesterday.
Where?: They looked everywhere.
To what extent?: He ran very fast.
Modifying Adjectives and Adverbs: Adverbs can also modify adjectives or
other adverbs to provide more detail:
Adjective modification: She is extremely talented.
Adverb modification: He runs incredibly quickly.
Types of Adverbs: Adverbs can be categorized based on their function:
Adverbs of manner: describe how an action is performed (e.g., quickly, slowly).
Adverbs of time: indicate when an action occurs (e.g., now, later).
Adverbs of place: specify where an action happens (e.g., here, there).
Adverbs of degree: show the intensity or degree of an action (e.g., very, quite).
Adverbs of frequency: indicate how often an action happens (e.g., often, rarely).
 Adverb
03 Formation: Many adverbs are formed by adding "-ly" to adjectives (e.g., quick
→ quickly, careful → carefully). However, there are also adverbs that do not
end in "-ly", such as "fast", "well", and "hard".
Position in a Sentence: Adverbs can appear in different positions within a
sentence:
Mid-position: Most commonly, adverbs are placed after the verb they modify (e.g.,
She speaks English fluently).
Front-position: Adverbs can also be placed at the beginning of a sentence for
emphasis or to set the tone (e.g., Suddenly, the phone rang).
End-position: Adverbs may appear at the end of a sentence to emphasize the
entire action (e.g., He worked hard all day).
Functionality: Adverbs help provide clarity and specificity in language,
enhancing the meaning of actions or qualities described in sentences. They
enable speakers and writers to express nuances of time, place, manner,
frequency, and degree effectively.
03 The Role of Adverbs
in Shortening
Clipped Blended
Adverbs Adverbs
Adverbs themselves can Adverbs can be part of
undergo clipping, especially blends to create new
in casual speech. For adverbial forms. For
example, "Absolutely" example, "awesomely"
becomes "abso" (as in "I'm and "fantastically" could
abso certain"). blend into
Really" becomes "real" "awesomelytic" in
(as in "I'm real tired"). creative or playful
language use.
Abbreviated
Adverbs
In written forms,
adverbs can be
abbreviated, particularly
in technical or note-
taking contexts. For
example, "immediately"
might be abbreviated to
"immed." in notes or
instructions.
 Contributions of
Scholars and
Researchers

Ferdinand de Saussure David Crystal John Algeo

FA founder of modern linguistics, discussed A renowned British linguist, has He has investigated word formation
word formation and linguistic economy. explored various aspects of shortening processes, including shortening, in the
Although he didn't focus directly on in his works on sociolinguistics and the context of the English language. In his
shortening, his theories on the signifier, internet. In his book "Language and the work "The Origins and Development of
signified, and language economy provide a Internet," Crystal examines how online the English Language," Algeo describes
foundation for understanding this communication has influenced the use how clippings and blends have evolved
phenomenon. of shortened forms, such as in English and their impact on the
abbreviations and acronyms. language.
04 Implications of
Shortening
Efficiency in Language
Communication Evolution
Shortening increases efficiency in both Shortening contributes to the dynamic
spoken and written communication. It nature of language, reflecting how
allows speakers and writers to convey linguistic practices evolve to meet the
ideas more quickly, which is particularly needs of speakers. New shortened forms
valuable in fast-paced or time-sensitive can enter common usage and eventually
environments. become standardized.
04 Implications of
Shortening
Informality and
Context
Shortened forms are often associated with
informality. They are prevalent in casual
conversation, social media, and text
messaging. However, their acceptance and
appropriateness can vary depending on the
context, with formal settings generally
favoring more complete forms.
Ambiguity and
Clarity
While shortening can enhance efficiency,
it can also introduce ambiguity. For
example, the abbreviation "US" could
mean "United States" or "us" (the
pronoun), depending on the context. Clear
communication relies on the shared
understanding of shortened forms
between speakers and listeners.
05. Conclusions

Shortening is a versatile and widespread linguistic

phenomenon that plays a crucial role in making
communication more efficient. By understanding the
various types of shortening and their implications, we can
appreciate the dynamic nature of language and how it
adapts to the needs of its users. Adverbs, like other parts
of speech, participate in this process, contributing to the
richness and flexibility of linguistic expression.The
contributions of scholars and researchers such as
Ferdinand de Saussure, David Crystal, and John Algeo
provide a solid foundation for exploring and
understanding this complex phenomenon.
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