The article examines the classification of jargon units as a multidimensional problem in contemporary linguistic research. It is argued that jargon represents a socially marked and functionally specialized layer of non-standard vocabulary whose linguistic status can only be adequately established through a multi-criteria approach. The study systematizes the principal theoretical approaches to jargon classification and identifies six basic criteria for its analysis: sphere of use, function, language source, method of formation, degree of circulation and structure. On the basis of the sphere-of use criterion, jargon units are differentiated into professional and social types, while remaining criteria allow for a more precise description of their internal heterogeneity. The analysis demonstrates that jargon is characterized by the interaction of semantic, functional, sociolinguistic, derivational and structural features, which precludes its reduction to a single classificatory principle. The study concludes that a multi-criteria model provides a more consistent and theoretically substantiated framework for the classification of jargon units and offers broader prospects for their further investigation in sociolinguistics, linguoculturology and lexicography.

Jargon, jargon units, jargon classification

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