Terminology management at the national language service

Abstract

Terminology is a strategic resource in a multilingual country. It is the medium through which knowledge and information is disseminated. Through the use of correct, standardised terminology, effective scientific and technical communication skills are developed. A brief overview is given of terminology development in South Africa, with special emphasis on the work of the Terminology Division of the National Language Service. Aspects of present terminology practice such as terminology management, the nature of terminology and terminography, and work-flow procedure in a multilingual terminology office receive attention. To present training activities, initiatives and needs attention is also given.

Keywords: bilingual, communication skills, dissemination, documentation, domain, multilingual, sociolinguistics, source language, standardisation, standardised terminology, subject field, target language, technical dictionaries, technical language, terminographer, terminography, terminologist, terminology, terminology development, terminology management, terminology practice, terminology principles, terminology training