ABSTRACT
Nuopponen, Anita (1994). Begreppssystem för
terminologisk analysis (Concept systems for terminological
analysis). Acta Wasaensia No 38, 266 p.
The aim of the present thesis is to develop the
theory of terminology by creating a classification of concept
systems and concept relations. This classification is an attempt to
form a basis for a further improvement of methods for
terminological analysis and terminology work.
The thesis first deals with general aspects of
concept systems qua systems and their properties. Next the theory
of terminology is contrasted with different methods and theories
which have been used to investigate and organize data and concepts.
Concept systems are of interest not only to the theory of
terminology, but also, for instance, to philosophy, the theory of
science, psychology, artificial intelligence, lexicology,
semantics, pedagogy, information science, classification theory,
the development of data bases, hypertext research, etc. In the
third and fourth chapters concepts and concept relations are
examined and a preliminary classification is presented of concept
relations which form the point of departure for the classification
and description of concept systems in the fifth
chapter.
The theories developed in the thesis are based on
those of Eugen Wüster, which are contrasted with views
expressed by other researchers. The current theory is modified and
supplemented and summarized to form a synthesis. The theory
presented is meant to be universally applicable and this is why the
examples are taken from different special subject fields. The
theory is not dependent on a specific language even though Swedish
examples are used.
Concept systems are here divided into micro and
macro systems. The former are more restricted and comprise concepts
between which certain types of relations exist, while the latter
consist of all the concepts of a special subject field irrespective
of the relations between them. Micro concept systems are on the one
hand divided into logical and ontological systems, and on the other
hand into hierarchic, sequential and heterarchic systems on the
basis of their structural properties. In hierarchic concept systems
the concepts, on the basis of different criteria, are structured in
hierarchies where a definite superordinate concept can be
distinguished, whereas the heterarchic systems contain several
different concepts which can serve as points of departure.
Sequential concept systems contain concept relations with temporal
components. Also a model for structuring macro concept systems is
suggested. There are many possibilities and ways of ordering and
structuring concept relations and systems. This thesis presents one
such possibility.
Anita Nuopponen, University of Vaasa, Department
of Communication Studies, P.O.B. 700, FIN-65101 Vaasa,
Finland.
Key words: concept, concept analysis, concept relation,
concept system, Swedish terminology of terminology science,
terminological analysis, terminology, terminology
science
