Theoretical Underpinnings of Metaterminography

Abstract

The ongoing debates on the academic status and scope of (meta)lexicography prove that the discipline is undergoing rapid changes. Some scholars voice their doubts about the feasibility of a theory of lexicography, while others have indicated that the development of such a theory is possible within metalexicography, thus qualifying it as a theoretical pillar of lexicography. Still others claim to have already developed a theory. Similar discussions have permeated terminography and its ‘theoretical’ branch, i.e. metaterminography. Therefore, in an attempt to answer some pressing questions regarding the standing of terminography, this paper ventures to define and characterise terminography and metaterminography, as well as discuss some of their fundamental notions. It also aims to present some theoretical considerations that can contribute to a growing body of studies that might one day result in the drafting of a comprehensive and universal theory of terminography.