Mobility of Contemporary Terminology

Abstract

The subject of this research is the justification of the category of “terminology mobility”. The question arises about the need to study the mobility of terminology, which has not been previously analyzed. The authors focus on the characteristics of terminology mobility based on theoretical assumptions related to the concept of knowledge transfer and the dynamic nature of terminology. The authors consider mobility as a complex evolutionary process, which, unlike dynamics comparable to movement or simple replacement of linguistic units, serves as a source of terminology renewal in language. A review of modern terminological studies is carried out in order to identify the theoretical foundations and prerequisites for the formation of the new concept of “terminology mobility”. A significant role is given to discourse and social (extralinguistic) factors. We see a unique cycle of terminology mobility, starting with the identification of a term as a linguistic sign and ending with a metaterm. It is asserted that terminology mobility goes through five stages of development. The multi-stage structure of terminology mobility is manifested in the transition to a more complex sphere (domain) of functioning: from a unit of specialized knowledge, through a specialized form of their organization — a terminological system, through a specialized text, communicative situation, professional activity to the tasks and needs of society.