Decentralised and expert-driven with a global reach: The English case

Table of contents

For many languages, terminology planning takes the form of a top-down activity that is also frequently associated with reinforcing the local language — often against the influx of English terms in particular. In contrast, owing in large part to the role that English has acquired for specialised communication at the global level, terminology planning for English looks quite different. Because the approach diverges from that used in many other parts of Europe, this chapter opens with an exploration of some of the main distinguishing features of the English case, which help to contextualise its terminology planning situation. The chapter then considers how national and international organisations or committees can take on the responsibility for terminology planning in some fields. Next, the chapter examines some grassroots efforts to engage in English terminology planning, as well as corporate terminology planning. Finally, the chapter ends with some concluding remarks.

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