Initial abbreviations as a result of compression in medical term formation and their language status (based on the Russian and French languages)

The article examines the origin of initial abbreviations in medical terminology from the standpoint of the law of linguistic economy, and also studies the problem of integrating this type of neologisms into the lexical system of a particular language as a result of lexicalization. The definition of the term “acronym” is given. The analysis of the use of initial abbreviations and acronyms of medical domain in Russian and French in scientific, popular science, professional discourses, as well as in everyday speech is carried out. The problem of homonymy among medical initial abbreviations in Russian and French is noted. The author of the article comes to the conclusion that acronyms are the final result of the lexicalization of initial abbreviations, giving them the status of linguistic units. At the same time, initial abbreviations in numerous areas of medicine can function in a professional language both in written and oral discourse, being full-fledged units of the corresponding terminological systems.