Terminologist Career Description
It is the task of terminologists to collect and document technical terms, to do research on underlying concepts and provide equivalents or create new terms for concepts that as yet have not been named, for the benefit of the users of terminology.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
The careers of terminologists are exceptionally challenging. Young people considering to join this profession can be assured that they will work at the forefront of language development in South Africa. Apart from facilitating scientific and technical communications at various levels, in different subject fields, the career offers the practitioners in this field excellent opportunities of enhancing their general knowledge, but also of sharpening their command of languages as well as their skills of creative writing, project management and interpersonal communication.
The activities of terminologists are diverse and include the following:
» Collecting, systematizing and documenting terms in a particular technical field or fields.
» Verifying terms in order to establish their linguistic and technical accuracy (in this process terminologists collaborate with experts and other authorities).
» Providing equivalents as well as creating terms in the target language.
» Editing (and accurately proof-reading) as well as revising and updating terminology.
» Facilitating standardization of terminology in collaboration with subject specialists, as well as promoting the use of standardized terms.
» The compilation of glossaries or dictionaries (usually as part of a team) in order to make terminological data available to prospective users.
» Providing an information service, thereby rendering terminological and linguistic assistance and advice to the public.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Terminologists must have a good knowledge of at least two of the official languages. They must have an extensive general knowledge
and have a wide field of interest and an eye for detail. Computer literacy is an important recommendation as terminologists do their work almost exclusively on computer. They must also be good organizers since they have to plan their projects thoroughly. They also need to be successful liaison officers, as they have to constantly collaborate with specialists, language practitioners and information scientists.
Where can I work?
The National Terminology Services of the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology which is responsible for the publishing of term lists and dictionaries.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Terminologists can do private work for publishers and act as consultants for writers. They can also compile subject dictionaries. The opportunities for self-employment are currently still limited.
|
