International Journal Of Literature And Languages
38
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijll
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue06 2025
PAGE NO.
38-40
10.37547/ijll/Volume05Issue06-12
The Evolution of Terminology
Makhsudova Khosiyatbonu Utkirbek kizi
Phd student of Andijan state institute of foreign languages, Andijan, Uzbekistan
Received:
14 April 2025;
Accepted:
10 May 2025;
Published:
12 June 2025
Abstract:
This article provides a comparative analysis of the development stages of modern terminology theory,
focusing particularly on the frameworks proposed by Auger and Leychik. It examines the distinct characteristics,
periodization, and meth
odological differences between the international model by Auger and Leychik’s Russian
linguistic perspective. Through a clear tabular presentation, the paper highlights essential theoretical
contributions and identifies key differences, offering insights into their relevance within contemporary linguistic
research.
Keywords:
Terminology, Auger’s model, comparative analyses, linguistic theory, diversity, historical stages,
venerated.
Introduction:
It is well known that contemporary
schools of linguistics exhibit considerable diversity.
Scholars around the world continue to explore new
dimensions and emerging disciplines within the field.
Among this diversity, the field of terminology stands
out as a distinct and noteworthy area of study.
According to various scholars, the development of
terminology as a scientific discipline encompasses
several historical stages, each characterized by specific
methodological approaches and scholarly orientations
[1]
METHOD
In, Ancient Rome, terminus referred to stone markers
used to delineate and define land boundaries. These
stones were dedicated to the God Terminus, who was
venerated as the divine protector of borders. Every
year on February 23, a festival known as Terminalia was
held, during which offerings were made to this deity.
During the celebration, neighboring landowners would
decorate the boundary stones with garlands, construct
simple altar, and offer sacrifices as grain, honey, wine,
and lamb or piglet. These rit
uals and described in Ovid’s
work Fasti [2].
During the Renaissance period, advancements in
science and technology led to the emergence of new
concepts and terms, and particularly in the process of
writing and translating scientific woks in Latin, the
issues of standardizing ans systematizing terminology
became increasingly significant [3].
In the technological revolution that followed this era,
the
need
for
specialized
terminology
grew
considerably. Evidently, precise and systematically
organized terminology became recognized as a vital
branch of linguistics. Throughout the 18th and 19th
centuries, rapid developments in science and
technology resulted in the creation of a large number
of new terms, with fields such as chemistry, physics,
and biology establishing their distinct terminological
frameworks [4].
Modern terminology science emerged as a distinct
academic discipline during the 1930s, primarily through
the pioneering work of Austrian linguist Eugen Wuster
in Vienna. Wuster’s doctoral dissertatio
n, published in
1931, laid a systematic foundation for the field
emphasizing the importance of organizing methods for
managing terminological data to enhance clarity and
precision in scientific and technical discourse. He
argued convincingly for the necessity of standardizing
terms to eliminate ambiguity and ensure effective
communication within specialized domains.
Wüster developed key principles for regulating
terminological activities, which included clarity,
consistency, comprehensiveness, and systematicity.
His methodological contributions established a
structured framework for processing terminological
information,
thereby
significantly
influencing
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
39
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijll
International Journal Of Literature And Languages (ISSN: 2771-2834)
subsequent
developments
in
lexicography,
terminography, and applied linguistics.
According to Rondeau (1983), during this initial period,
Wüster
predominantly
concentrated
on
methodological issues and the standardization of
terminology, viewing terminology primarily as a
practical instrument essential for facilitating clear and
efficient scientific communication. Only later did
Wüster develop a broader theoretical interest in
terminology, contributing substantially to the
establishment of the field known today as General
Theory of Terminology.
The principles and approaches formulated by Wüster
continue to underpin modern terminology studies, and
his influence extends to contemporary standardization
efforts, notably through his involvement in developing
international standards such as ISO (International
Organization for Standardization) terminological
guidelines [5].
At the opening of the 1975 Infoterm Symposium, Eugen
Wuster identified four prominent scholars as
foundational figures in the theory of terminology.
These included the German scholar A. Schloman, who
was among the first to systematically explore the
characteristics of specialized terms; the Swiss linguist
Ferdinand de Saussure, recognized for initially
emphasizing the systematic nature of language; the
Russian scientist Ernst Drezen, who underscored the
importance of standardization and was a key initiator
of the International Standardization Association (ISA);
and the English expert J.E.Holmstrom, who actively
promoted international terminological standards
through UNESCO and was the first to highlight the need
for an international organization dedicated to
addressing terminological issues [5].
Based on Auger (1988), four main stages in the
development of modern terminology can be
distinguished as follows;
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
1.
Initial Formation Stage (1930-1960)
During this period, the initial theoretical and
methodological foundations of terminology began to
take shape. Due to the methods proposed by the
Austrian engineer and linguist Eugen Wuster,
terminology acquired its preliminary basis as an
academic discipline. Wuster emphasized terminology
as a crucial tool for eliminating misunderstandings and
ambiguities arising in scientific and technical
communication.
2.
Period of Formation as an Independent
Discipline (1960-1975)
This stage marks the consolidation of terminology as a
distinct scientific discipline. During this period,
methodological foundations for analyzing terms were
established, conceptual structures of specialized
notions
were
developed,
and
principles
of
terminological classification were formulated. As a
result, the theoretical and structural framework of
terminology as a separate field of study was clarified
and strengthened.
3.
The Period of Active Development (1975-
1985)
During this period, terminology achieved widespread
international recognition, significantly enhancing the
scope and effectiveness of international organizations
such as Infoterm. Efforts to standardize and codify
terms intensified at the international level, resulting in
a considerable expansion of terminographic activities.
4.
Period of Integration and contemporary
development (from 1985 to th present)
Currently, the science of terminology reflects
interdisciplinary integration processes, evolving
significantly
through
digital
technologies
and
information communication systems. Electronic
resources, corpus linguistics, and artificial intelligence
technologies are creating new opportunities for the
advancement
of
terminology.
Simultaneously,
terminology has become an essential communicative
tool not only in scientific and technical fields but also in
cultural, social, political, and tourism domains [6].
As we can observe, the linguist Auger categorized the
development of terminology into four distinct stages.
However, another prominent linguist, V.M.Leychik,
also made significant contributions to this field. Leychik
similarly divided the evolution of terminology into four
stages, yet these stages differ in their naming
conventions as well as their chronological frameworks.
These differences are clearly illustrated in the provided
comparative table.
Comparative development stages of terminology by Russian and western terminology schools
Period
Russian terminology school Western terminology school
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
40
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijll
International Journal Of Literature And Languages (ISSN: 2771-2834)
Stage 1
Preparatory Stage (1780-
1920);
Initial
efforts
in
coining and editing terms;
first national terminological
dictionaries appeared.
Origins
(1930-1960);
Emergence
of
modern
terminology theory.
Stage 2
First
stage
(1930-1960);
Foundations
terminological
theory:
Structuring of the field (1960-
1975);
Establishing
principles, classifications, and
methodology.
Stage 3
Second stage (1970-1980);
terminology recognized as an
independent
field;
monographs,
dissertations,
and
terminological
dictionaries
emerged.
Boom (1975-1985);
rise of
international
organizations
like
infiterm;
widespread
codification
and
standardization.
Stage 4
Third
stage
(late
1980s
onward)
scientific maturity;
deeper
theoretical
development of terminology.
Expansion (1985- present);
interdisciplinary
growth,
integration with technology
and corpus linguistics.
The above table provides a comparative analysis of the
development satges of terminology according to
Wuster’s international model and Leychik’s Russian
model. While Wuster’s framework emphasizes
standardization and international collaboration,
Leychik’s ap
proach highlights the development of
terminological dictionaries and the deeper theoretical
foundations of the discipline.
CONCLUSION
In summary, modern terminology has evolved through
several developmental stages, initially emerging in the
early 20th century with foundational theoretical and
methodological principles aimed at ensuring clear and
efficient communication within scientific and technical
domains. Subsequently, it solidified its status as an
independent academic discipline by establishing
structured methods for term analysis and classification.
Later, international collaboration intensified, resulting
in extensive standardization and systematization of
terms on a global scale. Currently, terminology
continues to advance, driven by digital innovations,
interdisciplinary integration, and the growing use of
advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence,
thereby broadening its communicative role across
various fields beyond purely scientific contexts.
REFERENCES
Leychik, V.M. (2009). Terminovedenie: Predmet,
metody, struktura. Moscow: Librokom
berntseninternational.com
Temmerman, Rita. Towards New Ways of Terminology
Description:
The
Sociocognitive
Approach.
Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing
Company, 2000.
Peter Mark Roget. Thesaurus of English Words and
Phrases. London, 1852.
Cabre M.T. Terminology: Theory, Methods and
Applications / Ed. Juan C. Sager / - Amsterdam:
Benjamins, 1998.
–5 р.;
