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In:Handbook of Terminology: Volume 4. Terminology planning in Europe
Edited by Rossella Resi and Frieda Steurs
[Handbook of Terminology 4] 2025
► pp. 178–200

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Consolidating terminology on a single online platform

The Estonian case

 | Institute of the Estonian Language
 | Institute of the Estonian Language
Published online: 26 September 2025
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/hot.4.con2
Abstract
In Estonia, the history of terminology planning goes back for more than a hundred years, having evolved alongside the struggle for independent statehood. Over the century, various principles and challenges have shaped the creation, planning, and publication of terminology: the initial transition to Estonian in all domains, influence of dominant languages, and technological advancements. Today, the primary objective of Estonian terminology planning effort is to make the terminology of all domains easily accessible online on a single platform. To achieve this, dozens of working groups are publicly funded, but they also need coordination and clear guidelines. The shared goal of all relevant parties is to reinforce the role of Estonian as a functional language across all domains of life.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Language profile and development
    • 2.1Current state
    • 2.2Word structure
    • 2.3Influences on lexicon and written language
      • 2.3.1German influence
      • 2.3.2Russian influence
      • 2.3.3Finnish influence
      • 2.3.4Influence of dialects
      • 2.3.5English influence
    • 2.4Specialised language development
  • 3.Institutions involved in terminology planning
    • 3.1Estonian Legal Language Centre
    • 3.2Societies
    • 3.3Institute of Estonian Language
    • 3.4Ministry of Education and Research
    • 3.5Universities
    • 3.6Terminology working groups
    • 3.7Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs
    • 3.8Estonian language units in EU institutions
  • 4.Modern terminology planning
    • 4.1Strategic foundations of terminology work
    • 4.2Collaboration
    • 4.3Datasets and tools
    • 4.4Teaching and research
    • 4.5Outreach, awareness, and promotion
  • 5.Guidelines for terminology work
    • 5.1General principles for creating onomasiological entries
    • 5.2Acceptability rating
    • 5.3Terminology creation
    • 5.4Word formation in specialised language
    • 5.5Foreign influence
    • 5.6Evaluation and conditions regarding state-funded termbases
    • 5.7Comprehensive handbooks
  • 6.Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
References (36)
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