Linguistic Features & Functions - Language Description

1. Linguistic Features and
Functions
Azrina – Abbreviation
Masitah – Acronyms
Shureen – Idiomatic Expression

2. DEFINITION
• Abbreviation is communications (especially
“written”) the process or result of representing
a word or group of words
• An abbreviation is a shortened form of a
word (or phrase).
• Abbreviations are often used to save time and
space.

3. Personal Titles
Abbreviate titles used with names
Mr. Mrs. Ms. Dr. Prof. Rev. Fr. (before the
name)
Sr. Jr. M.A. Ph.D. C.P.A. (after the name)

4. Time
• Days and months
Monday->Mon.
Friday->Fri.
 December->Dec.
• Dates and times
B.C. or B.C.E. (Before Common Era)
A.M. P.M. or a.m. p.m.

5. PLACES & ADDRESSES
• Places
United States-> U.S
New York->N.Y
• Addresses
Street->St.
Avenue->Ave.
Road->Rd.

6. Acronyms
A word formed from the initial
letters or
syllables taken from a group of words
that form the name of a company, product,
process, etc.

7. Examples of Acronyms
• Pronounced as a word, containing only initial
letters
– AIDS: acquired immune deficiency syndrome
– NATO: North Atlantic Treaty Organization
– Scuba: self-contained underwater breathing
apparatus
– Laser: Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of
Radiation

8. • Pronounced as a word, containing non-initial
letters
– Amphetamine: alpha-methyl-phenethylamine
– Gestapo: Geheime Staatspolizei (secret state
police)
– Interpol: International Criminal Police
Organization
– Nabisco: National Biscuit Company

9. • Pronounced as a word, containing a mixture of
initial and non-initial letters
– Necco: New England Confectionery Company
– Radar: radio detection and ranging

10. Acronyms and Abbreviations
"The difference between acronyms and abbreviations is
this:
acronyms are proper words created from the initial letter
or two of the words in a phrase, and they are pronounced
like other words (cf. snafu, radar, laser, or UNESCO). By
contrast, abbreviations do not form proper words, and so
they are pronounced as strings of letters, for
example, S.O.B., IOU, U.S.A., MP, lp, or tv."
(Keith Allan and Kate Burridge, Euphemism and
Dysphemism. Oxford Univ. Press, 1991)

11. Idiomatic Expression
• What are idioms?
Idioms are words, phrases or expressions which
are commonly used in everyday conversation
by native speakers of English. They are often
metaphorical and make the language more
colorful.
• Definition of Idiomatic Expressions - a poetic
device
• idiomatic expression - an expression whose
meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings
of the words that make it up

12. Examples of Idiomatic
Expressions
The following is a list of Idiomatic Expressions
used in the English and American language:
• " Between a rock and a hard place “ - In a very
difficult situation when any resolution will be
unpleasant
• " Blow your top “ - To lose your temper
• " Break a leg “ - Used to wish good luck to stage
performers before an opening

13. • " By the skin of your teeth " - Complete a task
at the very last minute
• " Drop someone a line " - To write to someone
• " Excuse my French " - An apology for swearing
• " Fire someone " - To end someone's your
employment
• " Get your wires crossed " - A misunderstanding
• " Have an axe to grind " - To have an ulterior
motive or a long term grudge against someone
• " Hit the sack " - To go to bed
• " Keep an eye out for " - To look after another

14. Thank
you~