Abstract:In this essay, the economic characteristics of English abbreviation are briefly introduced to propose that language has a nature of economy and we can research a language by means of Economics. English abbreviation originates from the principle of Least Effort. In other words, they are words or phrases which are shortened by their original formations on the basis of unalterable meanings. From this perspective, it can be exact to study the word formation of English abbreviation, in order to reach the least effort of both sides. In addition, it also enumerates many problems, such as the abuse and random creation of English abbreviation because of people’s striving to simplify words excessively and lacking language cognition abilities in this essay. Therefore, the usage of English abbreviation should be optimized in order to avoid improper application from the perspective of principle of Economy, so as to maximize the benefit and reach the goal of real economy.

Key words: Principle of Least Effort; Principle of Economy; English abbreviation; word formation; usage strategies

CONTENTS

摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction 1

2. Literature Review 1

  2.1Origin of English Abbreviation

  2.2Economic Characteristics of English Abbreviation in Linguistic Economics

  2.3Researches on English Abbreviation at Home and Abroad

3. Word Formation of English Abbreviation Based on The Principle of Least Effort.3 

  3.1 The Understanding of “Least Effort”

  3.2 Word Formation of English Abbreviation

    3.2.1 Letter Abbreviation

    3.2.2 Clipping Abbreviation

    3.2.3 Blending Abbreviation

4. Incidental Problems When Using English Abbreviation 6

5. Proper Usage of English Abbreviation Guided by The Principle of Economy 8

  5.1 The Understanding of “Economy”

  5.2 Usage Strategies of English Abbreviation 

    5.2.1 Paying More Attention to Ambiguity of Word Meanings

    5.2.2 Taking Listeners’ Pragmatic Habits into Consideration

    5.2.3 Using English Abbreviation According to Particular Situations

6. Conclusion 11

Bibliography 12

Acknowledgements 13