AVIATION ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS: STRATEGIES FOR ENSURING ACCURACY AND CONSISTENCY IN ENGLISH–UKRAINIAN TECHNICAL TRANSLATION

Abstract

The high frequency of abbreviated units in aviation discourse requires a systematic approach to translation to ensure operational safety and terminological precision. As English remains the global standard for aviation, the methodology of transferring these units into Ukrainian is a critical task for technical translators.
The study aims to analyze the types of acronyms and abbreviations in English aviation texts and to evaluate specific strategies for their translation into Ukrainian. The research is designed to enhance accuracy, consistency, and pedagogical practices in the field of technical translation. Methods and Results: The core of the study focuses on the application of three primary translation strategies: Direct Equivalent, Retention and Explanation, and Adaptation. The research analyzes how a Direct Equivalent is utilized for standardized international terms, while Retention and Explanation is applied to preserve the original English acronym alongside a Ukrainian gloss for clarity. The Adaptation strategy is explored as a means of aligning specialized terms with the structural and phonetic norms of the Ukrainian language. The selection of these strategies is examined in the context of documentation for digital control systems, UAVs, and satellite navigation.
The findings indicate that a differentiated application of these three strategies minimizes terminological ambiguity. The study provides practical guidelines for technical translators and contributes to the development of more effective training curricula for ESP (English for Specific Purposes) and translation students.