The role of terminology in the European Federation of National Institutions for Language (EFNIL)

This article describes the role of terminology in the policies and practices of European states as it emerges from surveys conducted by the European Federation of National Institutions for Language (EFNIL). It describes the legislative and regulatory background that determines the use of languages, and the special provisions that are made to ensure clear communication to citizens, of which terminology is an integral part. As it turns out, the current initiatives are rather diverse and fragmented, and the article suggests closer cooperation between European governmental institutions and the EU to ensure a more consistent approach to terminology and clear public communication.