SYNONYMIC RELATIONS OF NOSOLOGICAL TERMS IN THE RUSSIAN, ENGLISH AND GERMAN LANGUAGES

Abstract

Purpose. This article focuses on the analysis of synonymic relations of nosological terms in the Russian, English and German languages. The thematic justification is determined by the lack of comparative researches of such understudied area as nosological terminology. The synonymy of human diseases terms in the Russian, English and German languages compile the subject matter. Methodology. The analysis of theoretical and supporting data comprise the usage of such methods as continuous sampling method (selection of factual data); inductive-deductive method (making sense and integration of theoretical information and observation); method of lexicographical analysis (determination of semantic features of terms by examining lexical definitions). Results. Having considered native linguists’ points of view about the essence of synonymy in terminology, having analyzed the synonyms of equivalent and interpretative types in the Russian, English and German languages, the authors conclude that the phenomenon of synonymy in terminology differs from similar process in common-literary vocabulary. The difference comes down to the fact that this process does not affect the characteristic features of the lexical-semantic terminology. It occurs within the bounds that do not violate the semantic definiteness of the term. Practical implications. The results of the study can be applied in further development of terminology issues of various subsystems in medical industry.