DOI: 10.5176/2251-3566_L31222
Authors: Soe Marlar Lwin
Abstract: This paper investigates discourse patterns of acronyms and abbreviations used in Singapore news stories as one of the distinguishing feature of the written variety of Singapore English. Acronyms and abbreviations that are coined almost daily in Singapore covering an unlimited range of subjects have been evidence of Singaporeans’ penchant for these shortened and contracted forms in their communication. Unlike in the spoken medium in which it is possible to have immediate feedback for clarifying the definition of an unfamiliar contracted word from the speaker instantly, the use of acronyms and abbreviations in writing, where the possibility of immediate feedback is usually deprived of, could lead to confusion for someone who is not familiar with the variety. The paper qualitatively examines the acronyms and abbreviations used in two major local newspapers: The Straits Times and Today. The paper first presents the findings on the discourse patterns of acronyms and abbreviations used in these two newspapers. It then highlights the contexts in which they appear and the possibilities of confusion caused by such uses. Implications for further research on functional motivation for the use of acronyms and abbreviations in news story writing are also discussed.
Keywords: acronyms; abbreviations; discourse patterns; Singapore English, news stories
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