The reception of Wüster’s general theory of terminology
Abstract
Eugen Wüster is generally credited with founding modern Terminology theory. Over time, his legacy has been evaluated from various points of view, each new approach positioning itself against what came to be known as the General Theory of Terminology. Reappraisal came in particular from Socioterminology, Sociocognitive, Communicative and Textual Terminology and from Translation Studies. While some approaches set out to build on Wüster’s principles, most sought to distance themselves from them. While some of the criticisms were based on differences of appreciation of objective criteria, such as the primacy of the concept, the relevance of the onomasiological approach and the role of synonymy and semantic transparency, others were the result of misapprehensions concerning what Wüster actually wrote. It is argued that his contribution can only be properly assessed by placing his activities in their historical context and by recognizing that theory was only one part of Wüster’s achievement: he is at least as important for having embedded terminology as a vital component in areas such as standardization and specialized communication.