Dynamics of terminology translation. The approach of Functional Pragmatics to multilingual terminology

Abstract

The representation and communication of specialised knowledge both from intra- and inter-lingual perspectives are substantially affected by the complex nature of knowledge units. These result from the interrelation of referential, conceptual, and linguistic knowledge and are characterised by a constant tension between contrasting but complementary forces, namely a need for stability and precision and the concurrent drift towards variation. These inherent features of specialised knowledge units are considered in the framework of translation activity, with special attention paid to the contribution given by domain specialists to their formation into target languages. An analysis of the multilingual Glossary for Functional Pragmatics and, in particular, of the ongoing work on its Italian section contributes to highlighting the peculiarity of the figure of the domain specialist as (self-)translator. The Glossary offers a direct view of the cognitive and linguistic processes and outcomes of domain specialists’ translation and ‘optimisation’ activity on specialised knowledge units. Indeed it exemplifies how terminological variation can be seen not only as a source of possible irregularity but also as a valuable contribution to knowledge domains
in intra- and inter-lingual perspectives. Variation therefore deserves further consideration in Terminology and Translation studies, especially when originates from authors’ deliberate cognitive distinctions within domain knowledge.