In:Theoretical Perspectives on Terminology: Explaining terms, concepts and specialized knowledge
Edited by Pamela Faber and Marie-Claude L'Homme
[Terminology and Lexicography Research and Practice 23] 2022
► pp. 37–60
Chapter 2General principles of Wüster’s General Theory of Terminology
Published online: 14 June 2022
https://doi.org/10.1075/tlrp.23.02can
https://doi.org/10.1075/tlrp.23.02can
Abstract
This chapter introduces Terminology as presented by Wüster, based on his writing as well as on unpublished notes and letters. First an engineer specialized in sawing and woodworking tools, Wüster became interested in language, and lectured at the University of Vienna in Lexicology, Lexicography, Terminology and Standardization. His revolutionary ideas on Terminology triggered reactions which led him to explain his views in greater depth. This chapter discusses concepts that arose as he developed his theory. As reflected in his comments on phraseology, standardization might not be incompatible with “descriptive terminology”: Even though he advocated the Soll-Norm (norm as it should be) in Theoretical Linguistics, he accepted the Ist-Norm (norm as it is) in Descriptive Linguistics.
Keywords: biunivocity, concept, denomination, descriptive, prescriptive, Ist-Norm, Soll-Norm, standardization, Terminology, theory
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Intellectual life in Vienna before and during Wüster’s time – towards the Vienna School of Terminology
- 3.How Wüster situates himself
- 4.Stability in Terminology
- 5.Variation in Terminology
- 6.Wüster’s position
- 7.Final interpretation of Wüster’s position
- 8.Conclusion
Acknowledgements Notes
Cited by (5)
Cited by five other publications
Castillo-Pérez, Esther & Silvia Montero-Martínez
2025. Designing a termbase in the context of European higher education. Terminology. International Journal of Theoretical and Applied Issues in Specialized Communication 31:1 ► pp. 136 ff.
Humbley, John & Kara Warburton
2025. Terminology throughout history. In Terminology throughout History [Terminology and Lexicography Research and Practice, 24], ► pp. 1 ff.
Trojar, Mitja
2025. Wüster’s ideas on language, linguistics and terminology. In Terminology throughout History [Terminology and Lexicography Research and Practice, 24], ► pp. 167 ff.
Delavigne, Valérie
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