Conceptualization and theorization of terminology translation in humanities and social sciences

Abstract

In recent decades, the scope of terminology research has been extended. The peculiarities and complexities of terminology are further ascertained by the exploration into the practice of terminology translation in the field of humanities and social sciences. The cultural functions that terminology in this research field (H&SS terms) fulfill and the intrinsic difficulties involved in translating them are worth further investigation. This paper based on some reflections of the development of the NUTermBank discusses the legitimacy of terminology translation as independent research and makes an initial attempt to theorize about how the research can be actually carried out. A holistic view of terminology translation is taken and a 3-M research model is proposed in this paper.