Author’s names:
Iuliia A. Ivashkina – National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
Abstract:
The article is part of a larger study focused on establishing a conceptual approach in terminology work. As sets of lexical units that name special concepts of corresponding branches of knowledge and human activity, terminologies are formed under the influence of both natural and artificial factors, the latter being intentional efforts of specialists. In order to determine relevant aspects of terminology normalization work, the author uses componential and morphological methods of analysis to evaluate the current state of the German maritime terminology, based on lexicographical sources. As the primary methodological basis of terminology normalization, she proposes a systems approach, which implies treating terms not as isolated units, but as elements within a system of terms. The study suggests that German maritime terms do not always meet the requirements of the systems approach. More specifically, the principle of structural uniformity is not always observed, which manifests itself in the absence of homogeneity of the morphemic structure of the elements of the terminological system as well as in the variability in the order of morphemes. There are also cases of synonymy and non-compliance with the requirement of monosemy of terms, which clashes with the principle of one-to-one correlation between a term and a concept. The author suggests that, prior to working with terms, these inconsistencies may be addressed by outlining a system of concepts of the corresponding branch of knowledge, determining existing correlations between these concepts and reflecting objective relations between real objects and phenomena as well as the current level of development of technology and scientific thought. This would allow scholars not only to eliminate semantic or formal overbalance in terminology, but also to identify obsolete elements and lacunae. The author notes that evaluating correlations within the system of concepts is a prerequisite for creating term definitions, which, as opposed to definitions for common lexis, describe scientific concepts and so must be exact. For a successful implementation, the systems approach must be introduced universally as part of prescribed regulations that would specify strict parameters of terminology work, of which all specialists must be promptly informed.
| Section | LANGUAGE AND CULTURE |
| DOI: | 10.47388/2072-3490/lunn2024-67-3-32-43 |
| Downloads | 77 |
| Key words | term; system; systems approach; system of concepts; term definition |