Korleis kan/bør vi ivareta terminologi og fagspråk i norsk industri og næringsliv

Abstract

It is argued here that the challenge posed by globalization, with English as its principal communication medium, requires decisive and defensive action on behalf of Norwegian special language and terminology, and that such action should be coordinated by the new Language Council and financed at governmental level. The presentation aims to pinpoint specific initiatives required to meet the challenge, starting from the consolidation and further development of textual and lexical language resources along with the infrastructure required for their maintenance and dissemination. A substantial amount of user/client involvement is envisaged as well as domain expert/linguist interaction. To match the basic state funding a number of revenue sources are suggested, such as organizing a non-profit corporation with public and private sector shareholders, subscription schemes, terminological web-hosting, phone-based oracle services, printed glossaries etc., while the WWW will remain the chief distribution channel. In conclusion, the best way to ensure the future of Norwegian special language and terminology in trade and industry is to make sure it is instantly available where and when the user needs it. The general concept is illustrated through a glimpse of KB-N (KnowledgeBank of Norway), an ongoing project at NHH’s Center for LSP Research.