What’s in a Name?: Principles for New Terminology

In some fields of translation, new terminology is a necessary translators’ creation. For example, if a new item is manufactured, or if a patent is claimed, these require terminology in the target language that does not yet exist. But how should this new terminology be determined? With the plethora of potential sources to derive meanings from, as well as the unique thought processes of the individual human mind, how can a term be decided that will be universally accepted?

The answer lies in the International Organization for Standardization’s (ISO) work called ISO 704 Terminology Work – Principle and Methods. In this work lies seven principles for creating new terminology, that guides translators to create terminology that will be universally accepted and understood within the target language. Here follows a list of these seven principles which, although originally written with technical terminology in mind, are sound principles for other translation areas.

1. Transparency – This principle entails keeping the term clearly understood; one within the subject area should be able to discern what the term means by the etymology of the word itself, without having to rely on a definition.

2. Linguistic Economy – This principle involves the brevity of the term; it should be as short as it possibly can be without loss of meaning.

3. Consistency – This principle involves aligning the term within already established concept systems in the field, such as chemical notation; the term should match its like terms.

4. Appropriateness – This principle entails assessment of the term’s target audiences, whether it will be interpreted properly, or if it should be altered to be received in its correct and full meaning.

5. Derivability and Compoundability – This principle considers whether new terms will be easily derived from the term and whether compounds including this term will be possible; this also involves whether the term will work as multiple figures of a speech, such as the term beginning as a noun but later used as a verb.

6. Linguistic Correctness – This principle requires consideration of the term in regard to linguistic rules; does it follow spelling and grammar norms within the target language?

7. Preference for Native Language – The final principle involves an emphasis on the native language as the guidance for term creation. Instead of using a loanword from another language, translators are encouraged to find inspiration within the target language, leading to a natural adoption of the term into the language.

(A summarization of the ATA Chronicle article “Creating New Terminology: Do Translators Really Do This?”)