Lemma or no lemma? Dislocation of acronyms in Kiswahili lexicography

Abstract

The use of acronyms in oral and written Kiswahili communication is increasingly becoming common. Acronyms are used in formal and casual communication as they save time and space, facilitate an aspect of language economy and simplify communication among people. Although acronyms are greatly used in Kiswahili, their inclusion in dictionaries as entries has not been comprehensively studied lexicographically. Few studies on Kiswahili acronyms are neither detailed nor systematic since acronyms are not their focus. This indicates that the lexicographic treatment of Kiswahili acronyms has attracted little attention from scholars. This paper intends to examine acronyms in Kiswahili lexicography focusing on their handling and challenges. Specifically, the paper focuses on selection, inclusion and arrangement of acronyms in eight Kiswahili general purpose dictionaries.