Frames as a framework for terminology

Terminology work involves the collection, analysis and distribution of terms. This is essential for a wide range of activities, such as technical writing and communication, knowledge acquisition, specialized translation, knowledge resource development and information retrieval. However, these activities cannot be performed randomly, but should be based on a systematic set of theoretical principles that reflect the cognitive and linguistic nature of terms as access points to larger knowledge configurations. “Frame-Based Terminology” (FBT) is a cognitive approach to terminology that is based on frame-like representations in the form of conceptual templates underlying the knowledge encoded in specialized texts (Faber 2011, 21; 2012; Faber et al. 2007, 42). FBT frames can be regarded as situated knowledge structures and are linguistically reflected in the lexical relations codified in terminographic definitions. These frames are the context in which FBT specifies the semantic, syntactic and pragmatic behaviour of specialized language units. They are based on the following set of micro-theories: (1) a semantic micro-theory; (2) a syntactic micro-theory and (3) a pragmatic micro-theory. Each micro-theory is related to the information encoded in term entries, the relations between specialized knowledge units and the concepts that they designate.