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. 331–352
Chapter 15Units of understanding in Sociocognitive Terminology studies
Published online: 14 June 2022
https://doi.org/10.1075/tlrp.23.15tem
https://doi.org/10.1075/tlrp.23.15tem
Abstract
In Sociocognitive Terminology theory the point of departure is the ‘unit of understanding’(UoU). A UoU exists because of three key elements. First, the understander relies on the senses to get a grip on aspects of reality. Second, the understander has a functioning mind. Third, the understander has proficiency in at least one human language allowing him to put into words his personal understanding of a unit as well as to understand discourse that represents earlier references to the UoU under consideration. Four more aspects need to be added to make this theory complete: prototypicality in understanding, embeddedness in society, a diachronic perspective, and the impact of metaphorical framing. Three case studies that were executed within the framework of Sociocognitive Terminology studies are presented.
Article outline
- 1.Terminology studies: From prescriptive to descriptive
- 2.The extended semantic triangle of understanding
- 3.A dynamic model for Sociocognitive Terminology studies
- 3.1Prototypical understanding
- 3.2(Inter)cultural understanding and multilingual understanding
- 3.3Understanding evolves across a continuum
- 3.4Metaphorical framing and understanding
- 4.Case studies
- 4.1Vague units of understanding in the European Union
- 4.1.1A floating signifier: ‘Integration’
- 4.1.2A situational context for the UoU ‘integration’ in Brussels (2017–2019)
- 4.1.3A process of understanding within the EU: ‘Migrant integration’ and ‘third country national integration’
- 4.1.4Regulation 516/2014 establishing the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund
- 4.1.5Integration in Belgium
- 4.1.6Purposeful vagueness of floating signifiers
- 4.2Intercultural understanding in molecular biology in English and French
- 4.3Embodied understanding in food sciences
- 4.3.1Sensory experience from a Sociocognitive Terminology perspective
- 4.1Vague units of understanding in the European Union
- 5.Conclusion and future challenges
Notes
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