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As we saw in the first video, one of the characteristics that delimits specialized language is terms.
The objective of this presentation is for you to learn about the science that studies them, terminology.
We will begin with a general characterization of the term in contrast with general language.
In the practical part, we will have a quick look at how specialized dictionaries are structured,
especially the use of a concept map and the structure of a terminological record.
Finally, we will focus on how neologisms are used and the standardisation of these terms.
We understand that “terminology” is a group of terms from one discipline,
but it is also the science that studies the structure, formation/adaptation and the use of terms.
In general, it is the science that establishes the linguistic and terminological criteria to manage terms.
Here, the centre that develops and integrates terminology in specialized sectors
and into the society, in general, is TERMCAT.
Alongside this linguistic authority, universities also develop
specialized language in our linguistic field, some are Pompeu Fabra University, University of Barcelona etc. and the Valencian Academy of Language.
As a shared characteristic with specialized and general language, terms have to be precise.
Words usually have different meanings in general language, depending on the context,
but specialized language, as we will see now, is characterized by monosemy.
Observe the following definitions.
The first definition is from the ‘Diccionari de l’Institut d’Estudis Catalans’.
In the lemma “llibre” (book) in Catalan has definitions, examples, sayings, syntagmas with “llibre” etc.
It is wide range of meanings that common language has for the word “llibre”.
On the other hand, if we look at the terminological definition, specifically in the Diccionari d’educació (Education dictionary),
where we can see an entry dedicated exclusively to “llibre electrònic” (electronic book),
there is a concept described as “Llibre editat en suport digital...” (Edited digital book…)
which is associated to “llibre electronic” or to synonyms.
Therefore, in contrast to the general dictionary, the definition is a concept in a specific context.
This is what makes the field of education, as is the case, to have only one meaning of “llibre digital”. 27
If we look at the general structure of this type of products we can see how, in a previous work
of preparing a terminological project, the structure of a general dictionary is established in the form of a concept map. 30 Here we can see two examples of concept maps, with different levels of complexity.
The general concepts that derive from videogames are relatively few; this is why it is symbolised
with what looks like a palm tree with a common trunk and some branches which have terms.
A dictionary like the education one, in contrast, has a lot of derivative disciplines,
and shows a complete concept map and a dictionary with a high number of terms.
Once we have established the concept map 36 we will assign a subject to each concept of the discipline.
This way we will ensure that the project is complete and balanced.
If “selectivitat” is the name that we are indicated, it has a preference term ‘prova d’accés a la universitat’ (university entrance exam),
two synonyms in Catalan, and also the abbreviation in Catalan, PAU, which is quite common.
We can also see the equivalents in other languages and a note that clears up
which exam is equivalent to the ones in the USA and UK.
Finally, the definition, that begins with a description, a word a lot more general than “selectivitat” in Catalan,
hyponym, such as ‘exam’.
It describes to us precisely and briefly all the aspects that characterize it in one sentence.
Here you have the subject area and the place it takes up in the concept map.
In the group of terms that we include in a dictionary
We have to especially mention the neologisms.
They are new concepts that appear due to cultural exchange
or because society is progressing.
The neologism is a creative part of language as a new idea wants an unknown name.
Language is varied, when it comes to mechanisms, to create new words,
and here we can see the most common ones.
Adapted loanwords like “patrocinador” or “gaspatxo” in Catalan, 54 which affixes “semipresencial” or “maquinari” in Catalan, compounds, syntagmas and abbreviations.
Between the objectives of practical terminology, we have the determining the most adequate linguistic forms,
standardisation, which takes into account the solutions from other languages.
An example would be sushi, which is not written with an X in Catalan, but with SH.
Other cases the Catalan form has been resorted to, because it clearly reflected what the concept explained,
which is the case of programari in Catalan (which meanings a group of programs),
Finally we should not forget the geographic variation or the historic variation of language.
This is the case of “alquena”, meaning henna in Catalan, which was present in medieval texts. 63 Therefore the loanword henna was not necessary.
Let’s summarise.
Terminology studies the terms of a language and creates theoretic bases to standardise them.
It perfects the vocabulary of a language, and therefore, develops a standard variety.
It is the tool to perfect the standard variety.