Tsymbalistyy I. Structurе and Processes of Lexicalization of Abbreviations in the Modern Spanish Language

This thesis focuses on the study of the structure of abbreviations, as well as the factors that determine their lexicalization in the modern Spanish language. Abbreviation-related terminology has been outlined in the research; Spanish abbreviations have been classified according to their etymological and structural features. A methodology for the analysis of their structural and functional peculiarities has been developed. The thesis specifies historical background of abbreviation in the Spanish language; it establishes the most productive patterns of shortened forms and elucidates their structural characteristics. The research describes the processes that enhance abbreviations’ lexicalization with regard to their phonetic, graphic, semantic and grammatical adaptation in the Spanish language.