Globalisierung durch reduzierte Fachwörter, oder Elemente einer beinahe universellen Lingua franca?

Abstract

This paper focuses on multi-segmental acronyms (Kurzwörter), whose use was initially condemned by German linguistic purists as a manifestation of language decay. However, the desire for abbreviation has not abated: multi-segmental acronyms are being used more and more. Without them, technical language would no longer be conceivable today. But are they only popular because of their brevity? This article investigates the advantages of using multi-segmental acronyms in technical texts, as well as exploring a kind of globalization process affecting technical languages, manifested in a new kind of embedding of English and English-transmitted technical terms.

Keywords

• globalization
• technical languages
• acronyms
• borrowing