Full metadata record
DC FieldValueLanguage
dc.contributorDepartment of Englishen_US
dc.creatorReddel, Suzanne-
dc.identifier.urihttps://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/3488-
dc.languageEnglishen_US
dc.publisherHong Kong Polytechnic University-
dc.rightsAll rights reserveden_US
dc.titleA study of contemporary abbreviation usage in Hong Kongen_US
dcterms.abstractVerbal abbreviation involves shortening of a word or words, written or spoken, by omission of letter/s or sound/s. All abbreviation involves either contraction (deletion from within a word) or truncation (deletion from word extremities). Abbreviated words, occasionally featuring changes in spelling or pronunciation, may be combined with each other or with other words to form phrases, compounds or new words. Information gathered from research, analysis of a sample local newspaper and investigation of local abbreviation practice presents a picture of abbreviation in frequent use in Hong Kong and in virtually all contexts. There appear to be two major reasons for using abbreviation. One is to save time or space, both important considerations in local society. The other is to compress complex concepts and terms into manageable and pronounceable units, again an important consideration in this bilingual community. However abbreviation usage is frequently accompanied by abbreviation over-use and misuse. Overuse occurs when the proportion of abbreviated to unabbreviated words renders an item unintelligible because of insufficient retrievable context. Misuse occurs in a number of ways but principally when the creators of new non-standard abbreviations disregard normal abbreviation procedures and conventional use of abbreviation markers, or when abbreviators ignore the convention of supplying the full form of an abbreviation when it is first used. However it should be possible to at least partially rectify these problems through education and intervention.en_US
dcterms.extentvii, 96, [93] leaves : ill. ; 30 cmen_US
dcterms.isPartOfPolyU Electronic Thesesen_US
dcterms.issued1996en_US
dcterms.educationalLevelAll Masteren_US
dcterms.educationalLevelM.A.en_US
dcterms.LCSHEnglish language -- China -- Hong Kong -- Morphologyen_US
dcterms.LCSHHong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertationsen_US
dcterms.accessRightsrestricted accessen_US

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
b12465239.pdfFor All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only)4.79 MBAdobe PDFView/Open


Copyright Undertaking

As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:

  1. I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
  2. I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
  3. I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.

By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.

Show simple item record

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/3488