Laburtzapena euskaraz (Synthesis) - Gotzon Egia

One of the most particular problems to be solved in the process of standardization of Basque, and therefore in the translation to this language, is the different ways of contracting words or groups of words.

After a brief explanation of the different types of contraction; contraction, abbreviation, sign, figure, acronym and initials, the author goes on to concentrate on the problem of translating initials which is one of the problems which most often need solving especially by translators of juridical and administrative texts.

The construction of initials as abbreviations in Basque, how they are written, declined and pronounced are themes which are briefly touched on.

Finally the author questions whether or not the ever increasing amount of internationally used initials should be translated. As far as Basque is concerned, it happens that many of them end up being translated into the neighbouring Languages French and Spanish, changing depending on the translation. Very often what happens is that the initials that will be used in Basque are taken from these so that in the end they are neither the most used internationally nor even initials which correspond to words in Basque. So OTAN is written, as in Spanish and French, rather than NATO as in other Languages, SIDA rather than AIDS etc. which shows an unquestionable dependence.

The author advocates in such cases the straightforward adoption of the most internationally used initials, without translating them, especially bearing in mind their rapid introduction in every day language.