Abstract

SCHMITZ, Klaus-Dirk. The meaning of a word  cannot be expressed in one sentence: The meaning of terminology for technical communication and the translation of technical texts. Íkala [online]. 2010, vol.15, n.25, pp.189-197. ISSN 0123-3432.

Introduction: This article refers to a statement of the Austrian-British philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein related to words and sentences. Objective: To analyse and discuss the relevance of Wittgenstein's statement for terminology work needed in the framework of technical communication and technical translation. Method: Critical review. Results: In addition to the basic concepts of terminology theory such as concept, term and object, the article concentrates on definitions as a means of concepts description and on criteria for the formation and selection of scientific terms. Conclusion: Wittgenstein's statement can be interpreted in different ways. But for technical communication and translation, the definition (sentence) has to illustrate the concept behind the term (word), and transparent and well motivated terms can clarify the concept without a definition.

Keywords : Wittgenstein; concept; term; definition; term formation.

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