Terminologists collect and document technical terms; they do research on and provide equivalents or create new terms for concepts, which have as yet have not been named, for the benefit of the users of terminology.
Terminologists may be involved in collecting, systematising and documenting terms belonging to a particular technical field or fields. They need to verify terms to establish their linguistic and technical accuracy, in collaboration with experts and other authorities. They provide equivalents in addition to creating terms in the target language. They may be required to edit and accurately proofread documents, as well as revise and update terminology used in them.
They are involved in the facilitation and standardisation of terminology, in collaboration with subject specialists, as well as promoting the use of standardized terms. They may also be involved in the compilation of glossaries or dictionaries, usually as part of a team, in order to make terminological data available to prospective users; and providing an information service, thereby rendering terminological and linguistic assistance and advice to the public.
Satisfying Aspects
- variety of work
- good working conditions
- working with words and different languages
- working in your own field of interest
Demanding aspects
- the time needed to get all parties to agree on a new technical term
- the total concentration that often leads to tension
- studying constantly to keep up with new developments in a technical field
- difficulties in finding the right material
Requirements
- love of words
- good knowledge of at least two of the official languages
- extensive general knowledge
- wide field of interests
- eye for detail
- computer literacy
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: One or more of the official languages
Recommended Subjects: All school subjects are valuable for this career
Training
Degree: B. degree with one or more of the country's official languages as major subjects as well as a familiarity with subjects such as Economics, History, Political Science, or any of the subjects in the fields of the natural sciences, engineering or technology is a strong recommendation - most universities.
Translation Studies - Wits and UL. Linguistics - US, UZ, Wits. Language Practice - NWU, UFS
Some universities plan to include comprehensive modules on Lexicology and Lexicography that cover various aspects of terminology and terminography in their honours degree in Translation Studies.
Diploma: N.Dip: Language Practice - CUT, DUT
This diploma prepares students, inter alia, for entry to a career as a terminologist.
Practical in-service training plays an important part in the moulding of a terminologist and is usually undertaken by a senior official in a terminology office.
Employer
- the National Terminology Services of the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, which is responsible for the publishing of term lists and dictionaries and which also manages the National Termbank, is one of the largest organizations that employs and trains terminologists
- other employers are the language services of some municipalities, banks, insurance companies, as well as the South African National Defence Force, the State Language Services, Mittal Steel, Telkom and the SABS
- self-employment, can do private work for publishers and act as a consultant for writers; can also write a subject or a synonym dictionary
The 11 official languages in South Africa created a great need, especially in the African languages for technical terminology. This need should widen the terminologist's scope for self-employment considerably.
Contact
The Head
National Terminology Services
Department of Arts & Culture
Science and Technology
Private Bag X894
Pretoria, 0001
Tel. (012) 314-6157