The function of acronyms
Acronyms are a common way to refer to long expressions more concisely. This practice is widely used in various fields, such as in the IT world, where acronyms such as LIFO structure and FIFO structure are widely known and may even replace the original expression.
When an acronym refers to a physical object, a disease, a legal figure, or other concepts, its repeated use can cause it to end up being seen as a word in itself. This has happened with acronyms such as UFO, AIDS and covid, which have even entered the dictionary as common words.
Language changes caused by acronyms
In some cases, the frequent use of an acronym can cause changes in the language. For example, the term takeover bid, known as a takeover bid, has become so embedded in common parlance that it is now used as a noun in its own right, even spawning a related verb, ‘opar ‘. This phenomenon raises spelling questions, as when an acronym like ABS, which stands for anti-lock braking system, is perceived as a name, generating doubts about how it should be written.
The lexicalization of acronyms
A notable case is that of the acronym CAP, which comes from the expression primary care center. This acronym has become so integrated into common language that it is now used as a word in itself. This phenomenon raises the question of whether it should be included in the normative dictionary, since it is already widely accepted and used.
Conclusions
Acronyms have a significant impact on the evolution of the language, being able to influence spelling changes and the inclusion of new terms in dictionaries. This phenomenon reflects the dynamic and adaptable capacity of the Catalan language in the face of linguistic and social changes.
