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Metaterminology in EU drafting and translation guidelines

An exploratory study

ORCiD logo with link | Budapest University of Technology and Economics
Published online: 22 September 2026
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/term.25052.fis
Abstract
Recognising the importance of linguistic quality of EU drafting and translation guidelines, and adopting a novel, metaterminological perspective, this study examines how these guidelines reflect the terminology of terminology in the EU context. Six analytical categories were identified (term, concept, synonymy, polysemy, eu terminology vs. jargon, eu vs. national terms) to trace both explicit and implicit references in eight selected EU guides. The findings reveal that explicit references are used inconsistently, while certain terminological phenomena are merely implied, reflecting both prescriptive and descriptive approaches. The notion of EU terminology is variably framed, ranging from neutral description to being labelled as jargon. Although EU and national terminology are distinguished, strategies for their use and translation are either unnamed or confined to the text level, without addressing the need for different strategies at the term level. The study concludes that further research on metaterminology is essential for enhancing terminological awareness and for addressing the complexities of the EU context.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Methodology
    • 2.1Analytical categories of the study
      • 2.1.1The key terms and concepts of terminology
      • 2.1.2Terminology in the EU context
    • 2.2Materials
      • 2.2.1Guidelines for EU publications
      • 2.2.2Guidelines for legislative drafting
      • 2.2.3Guidelines for clear writing
      • 2.2.4Guidelines for translation
      • 2.2.5Material selected for the study
  • 3.Results and discussion
    • 3.1Reference to term
    • 3.2Reference to concept
    • 3.3Reference to synonymy and polysemy
    • 3.4Reference to eu terminology versus jargon
    • 3.5Reference to eu terms versus national terms
  • 4.Conclusions
  • References
  • EU publications and documents
References (59)
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