Dipendekkan

Dipendekkan is an Indonesian term derived from the verb "pendekkan," meaning to shorten or abbreviate. It is commonly used in the context of language, manuscripts, text messages, and formal documents to indicate that a word, phrase, or passage has been made more concise. In Indonesian orthography, dipendekkan specifically refers to the practice of truncating longer expressions while preserving their recognizable meaning. For example, the phrase "terjemahan" may be dipendekkan to "tem." This technique is favored in informal communication, such as barangay notices or school handouts, where brevity is appreciated. In addition, dipendekkan plays a role in the standard Indonesian abbreviation system (singkatan), akin to acronyms in English, used to streamline writing time and reduce redundancy. The practice is regulated by the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Information for official usage, ensuring that standard abbreviations are included in the national dictionary (Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia). In literature and linguistics, researchers sometimes study dipendekkan to trace historical changes in Malay/Indonesian vocabulary. Its prevalence is evident in modern SMS culture, where space and speed necessitate shortened words, and the colloquial trend “Cth” for “contoh.” Despite its casual usage, dipendekkan remains a valuable tool for efficient communication across formal, academic, and digital platforms.