Abstract
In texts for specific purposes, terms adopt a behaviour which is contrary to the prescriptive demands of traditional terminology. Indeed, they exhibit variability both on the level of their meaning content and on the level of their linear structure. Their meaning contents are not fixed, but may be changed by the language user’s verbal and non-verbal activities. Their linear structures are not fixed, but can be adjusted to the cha racteristics of their linguistic environment, specifically the sentence or sequence of sentences in which they are being used. Examined within the framework of text linguistics, it becomes clear that this variability con- tributes to two basic characteristics of any body of sentences which constitutes a text, namely text coherence and text cohesion. Consequently, the aim of this article is to propose a new definition of the term, a definition which underscores the role the term plays in bringing about texture in texts for specific purposes.
Highlights
The purpose of this article is to define ‘the term’ within the theoretical framework of text linguistics, a framework largely neglected by traditional terminology, i.e. the school of thought loyal to the principles formulated by Eugen Wüster (1979), the dominant voice of the Vienna school, as well as by Russian terminologists, like D.S
This objective has its roots in the positivist belief that natural language possesses characteristics which are likely to constitute an impediment to clear and precise communication. This conviction led to a working method and to a theory of the term, which terminologists began to question at least a decade ago and continue to criticize today. It is felt by many terminologists (Sager 1990; Boulanger 1995; Bowker 1998; Bourigault and Slodzian 1999; Temmerman 2000, to name a few) that traditional terminology largely disregards the facts of special language communication as they can be observed in texts for specific purposes, and instead tries to impose on the term a number of features and a behavior in specialized discourse
The absence of cohesion would, signal that the sentences seemingly grouped together in a text are not connected, and constitute a set of discrete, i.e. separate utterances. These two properties, coherence and cohesion, give texture to any text, be it a text written in language for general purposes (LGP), or a subject-oriented text written in language for special purposes
Summary
The purpose of this article is to define ‘the term’ within the theoretical framework of text linguistics, a framework largely neglected by traditional terminology, i.e. the school of thought loyal to the principles formulated by Eugen Wüster (1979), the dominant voice of the Vienna school, as well as by Russian terminologists, like D.S. Lotte (1981). Its presence allows for the construction of a semantic edifice within the text through the creation of coreferential chains which strengthen the overall unity of the text. These two functions, i.e. the naming function of the term as well as its cohesion producing function, lead to a behavior in specialized discourse which does not coincide with the theory of the term put forward by traditional termino-. This definition will encompass both functions of the term, i.e. its naming function as well as its cohesion producing function. It will emphasize the term’s original and dynamic contribution to text cohesion and to text coherence
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Linguistica Antverpiensia, New Series – Themes in Translation Studies
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
