AComparativeStudyofShorteninginEnlishandChinese英语论文.docx

A Comparative Study of Shortening in English and ChineseLanguage and thought are closely interrelated. The differences in languages represent the differences in modes of thinking. The shortening in English and Chinese is a special language phenomenon which reflects social development and cultural changes.Along with the development of social economy and technology, the communication between people becomes more and more quickly. Language is the carrier of social life; therefore, it changes along with the progressand requirements of the society .Some of the commonly used words before have been knocked out because of its limitations, and some new vocabulary appeared because of its inevitability, which also get the most peoples recognition. English as a foreign language has also appeared some changes, of which is significantly is English words tendency of shortening. The study of the tendency of shortenings can help English learners better understand the English language, and the correct understanding and short words can improve work efficiency, what’s more, increase mutual understanding.Shortening of words exists in every language, and there’s no addition to English. It is probably caused by the following reasons: in one hand, the trends of development of English is simplified, and the words turn to monosyllabic；in the other hand，today, the pace of life is increasing with technological advancements，and it needs a speeding in speaking and writing. There are four types of shortening in English:clipped word：A clipped word is created by cutting out one or more than one syllables of a word, which fall into four classifications:Apocope: approximately-----approx；automobile----auto; examination----exam; gasoline----gas.Aphaeresis：hamburger---burger; taxicab----cab; bicycle----cycle； earthquake----quake.Front and back clipping: influenza----flu; refrigerator---fridge; assistant----asst; department----deptSyncope: fluidonics----fluidics; fossilization----fossilation