Catalan Terminological Databases as a Means of Language Policy

Abstract

Terminological databases are reliable and useful tools for translators, because they contain not only the basic grammatical information related to the terms, but also facilitate the conceptual analysis necessary for the translation of the terms. High quality databases that are compiled according to terminological principles also serve language policy purposes and fulfil terminological policy tasks. In recent years, the Catalan language as an element of Catalan identity has also become the focus of interest in parallel with the independence movement in Catalonia. This paper aims to present and analyse five Catalan terminological databases compiled by TERMCAT, the Catalan Center for Terminology and two universities in Catalonia. A comprehensive classification and evaluation system will be used for the analysis of the databases, which includes four main aspects: background information, technical parameters, information on the content and the usage of the termbases. The databases presented here are the result of a conscious effort by the professionals responsible for terminology and the database as well as the associated workflow, can serve as a good practice for other language communities.