LEXICAL INNOVATION IN MEDICINE
- Authors: Savrasova V.A1, Yakovenko N.S1
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- Issue: Vol 2, No 1 (2013)
- Pages: 261
- Section: Articles
- URL: https://new.vestnik-surgery.com/index.php/2415-7805/article/view/2530
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Abstract
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The vocabulary of any language is the domain subject to the most rapid changes. No new science is possible without neologisms, new words or new interpretations of old words to describe and explain reality in new ways. A lexical innovation can imply the use of a new lexical unit, the modification of the root or of the semantic structure of a word in a language. A neologism (from Greek neo=»new» + logos=»word» + ismos=“state”) is a word or phrase that, although devised relatively recently in a specific time period, has not been accepted into a mainstream language. New medical diagnoses or conditions, symptom clusters or syndromes are legitimate approaches to neologisms. Possibly the most famous recent new diagnosis is MRSA or Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus infection. Awareness of such conditions enhances appropriate medical practice provided they are legitimate, logical and fill a void. They become the simplest, most parsimonious explanations. An example of a neologism in pharmacology is describing a new side-effect. If there is no verbalization of its exact nature it goes unrecognized. The term “NVD” or “Non-vertiginous dizziness” was first used in 1989 to reflect a common side-effect specific to some azapirone drugs such as buspirone. Neologisms will continue to occur more often in rapidly changing cultures and also in situations where there is easy and fast propagation of information, such as new sciences. New terms are often created by special circumstances, combining existing words or phrases or through abbreviation or acronym, by intentionally rhyming with existing words or simply through playing with sounds. For example, the word laser from light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, MRT from magnetic resonance tomography, CT scan from X-Ray computed tomography, CAT scan from computed axial tomography, AIDS from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, SARS from severe acute respiratory syndrome, RSI from rapid sequence intubation, avian flu from avian influenza. Lexical innovation does not just occur in a random, haphazard manner. When speakers and writers innovate lexically, they coin new words and expressions by means of a range of word-formational processes and mechanisms. New words have also pedagogical potential of developing vocabulary and language skills. Lexical innovations are excellent for out-of-class autonomous learning and project work. The study of new words helps students understand up-to-date professional language in films, articles, websites, messages and emails.×