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Article published In: Computational Terminology
Edited by Ayla Rigouts Terryn and Patrick Drouin
[Terminology 31:1] 2025
► pp. 72–109

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When LMF and TMF meet

Towards a Unified Markup Framework (UMF)

ORCiD logo with link | University of PadovaPadova
ORCiD logo with link | University of PadovaPadova
ORCiD logo with link | NOVA CLUNL, FCSH
ORCiD logo with link | NOVA CLUNL, FCSH
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Available under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC) 4.0 license.

For any use beyond this license, please contact the publisher at rights@benjamins.nl.

This article was made Open Access under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license through payment of an APC by or on behalf of the authors.

Published online: 23 May 2025
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https://doi.org/10.1075/term.00084.vez
Abstract
The interoperability of language resources is crucial for effective communication and data exchange across various computational systems. In this context, the ISO/TC 37 standards, specifically the Lexical Markup Framework (LMF) and the Terminological Markup Framework (TMF), play a vital role by providing a common framework for the modelling, representation, and exchange of lexical and terminological data. The LMF has been deliberately aligned with TMF to facilitate close coordination between the two standards. This paper explores the convergence between LMF and TMF, underscoring the need for a Unified Markup Framework (UMF) that enhances interoperability and effective resource management. We propose a unified meta-model that integrates these frameworks through comparative analysis and real-world examples, facilitating the development of advanced language processing applications and multilingual lexicographic and terminology management. This study not only underscores the opportunities and challenges of such coordination but also sets the groundwork for future research directions in the harmonisation of lexicographic and terminology resources.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Background
    • 2.1Overview of LMF
    • 2.2Overview of TMF
  • 3.Comparison between LMF and TMF
    • 3.1Macrostructures
      • 3.1.1LMF: Macrostructure of a Lexical Resource
      • 3.1.2TMF: Macrostructure of a Termbase
    • 3.2Microstructures
      • 3.2.1LMF Microstructure of a Lexical Entry
      • 3.2.2LMF: Microstructure of a Lexicographic Entry
      • 3.2.3TMF: Microstructure of a Concept Entry
    • 3.3Comparison: Lexicographic Entry vs Concept Entry
  • 4.Proposal for a Unified Markup Framework (UMF)
  • 5.Conclusions and future perspectives
  • Notes
  • Author statement
  • References
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