Acts of recognition : the political dimension of terminology

Abstract

The study of terminology has increased in visibility over the last few decades. This has partly been a consequence of a more globalized dimension taken by social and professional practice, and the resultant increase in the movement of trained and skilled professionals across contexts of different languages, education and backgrounds.' Terminology is now treated as a discipline in its own right, one that professes pertinent theories as well as possible practical applications. It finds a place in all specialisations, as "[n]o structured discipline can work without specific terminology to communicate its specialized domain knowledge." Terminology is also an interdisciplinary subject studied in various university degrees, especially those related to translation and interpretation, linguistics, cognitive sciences and communication. The application of terminology to facilitate communication in theatre and performance situations has been duly noted, a evident in the writings of Konstantin Stanislavski and Eugenio Barba amongst many others.