1 research outputs found
Model systemu informacji terminologicznej
Within science and technology, specialist language is a basic cognitive and communication
tool, whose constitutive element lies in its terminology. Specialist vocabulary is an object of
interest to researchers in many areas of study, for a well-ordered, coherent set of terms and
definitions makes a considerable impact upon the development of each discipline of study. Terminology
is also a part of the interdisciplinary research that aims to broaden one’s knowledge
of terms and concepts representing them in different aspects, such as linguistic, cognitive, and
socio-cultural in addition to technical ones which are predominantly related to the organization
of terminological databases and providing access to them.
Free and easy access to well-organized terminological databases enables multidisciplinary
and multilingual communication (scientific, technical, business). This access facilitates the
creation of linguistic information databases, which is essential to building effective tools of
automatic analysis and indexing specialist titles as well as intelligent searching for information
on the Internet.
The purpose of the reflections and analyses presented in this book is to propose an original,
nationwide, multidisciplinary model of the information terminology system that would allow
for solving current problems of organization and access to terminology as well as information
related to terminological activities. Among the more important characteristics of the model
would be: multidisciplinary and complex information that determines terms and concepts, high
functionality and flexibility, and an openness to users’ changing needs. As far as scientific and
practical points of view are concerned, this model is designed in such a way that elements of
different terminological and linguistic theories along with author’s concepts meet together (e.g.
multiple definitions of particular terms, a variety of definition types, synchronic-diachronic
approach, descriptive-prescriptive function, proper names inclusion, storage of bibliographic
and factual information related to terminological activities and the application of topic maps to
represent, store, and provide access to information terminology).
In order to achieve this goal, qualitative research methods have been applied. An analysis
of written materials from the fields of information science, terminology and terminography
have been done, which allowed for introducing the hitherto theoretical models of terminology.
The analysis mainly focused on assumptions, characteristics and functions of the models so
as to identify their advantages and disadvantages in linguistic, cognitive and communicational
aspects. Furthermore, content analysis has been used to research both Polish and international
terminology web services, which led to obtaining answers regarding the extent to which they
include the theoretical assumptions of the existing models of terminology.
While gathering information on the subject of the implementation of international terminological
projects a free-form technique has been applied. The collected information made itpossible to delineate weak points of the existing models of terminological data. The data also
enabled us to determine the functionality of the current models of access to terminology as well
as to unveil potential reasons for a lack of a well-coordinated, nationwide terminological activity
in Poland. Knowledge gained on the basis of the above data paved the way for proposing a new
model for a national system of terminology information which reduces the problems noticed in
terminology management.
The book is comprised of a preface, three chapters and a conclusion. Chapter one is divided
into three subchapters that present issues concerned with information, terminology, and
terminology information. Subchapter one illustrates different approaches to information and its
importance in organized structures. Subchapter two explains the nature of concepts and terms,
as well as the status of terminology, focusing on: determination of the scope of terminological
activity, illustrating major terminological theories, describing the application of terminology in
specialist communication, translations and information-retrieval languages. Subchapter three
provides a definition of information terminology, its characteristics, role and significance. It also
describes sources and users of terminology information.
Chapter two begins by going over the problems of terminology information, that is: poor
quality of lexical resources, fragmentation and dissemination of sources, and difficulties in accessing
terminology databases. Following this, chapter two proceeds to discuss technical issues
related to organization and accessibility of terminology information. A meta-model and a format
for exchanging terminological data has been presented and apart from that also a project for the
Semantic Network and its most important components. Special focus is placed on one of the
concepts of Semantic Network implementation, namely topic maps which have been proposed to
manage terminology information.
Chapter three aims to present the author’s model of terminology information. It provides
a depiction of its assumptions and characteristics at all levels: (1) microstructure which encompasses
the elements related to the ways of information organization in entries (records);
(2) macrostructure which includes, among other things, the thematic scope of the system, order
of entries, documentation, and software; (3) infrastructure such as institutions, organizations,
companies, and specialists involved in building and providing access to terminological resources
within the system as well as technical equipment (appliances, networks), rules and procedures
used in terminological activity.
The subject of terminology information has been taken up due to the significant role of
terminology in specialist communication, information processing, and in knowledge representation
and transfer that overcomes systemic, disciplinary, linguistic, and also cultural barriers.
The formation of the open terminology information system in Poland will certainly enable
comprehensive access to updated and complete terminology of many disciplines and businesses.
What is more, it will contribute to raising social awareness of the role of terminology in science,
technology, and social life, and thus it will enrich language culture