Conférence pour une
infrastructure
terminologique en Europe

Conferencia para una infraestructura terminol�gica en Europa

Conference for a terminology
infrastructure in Europe

Paris, 13-14-15/03/2000
Maison de l'UNESCO, Salle XI
7, place de Fontenoy
75007 PARIS

Background

There is a long tradition of terminology work in the Nordic countries and the first work on techni-cal terminology work was carried out as early as the end of the 19th century. Terminology work on a regular basis dates back in Iceland to the beginning of this century and in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden to the 1940's.

The starting point for Nordterm was in 1976 when representatives from terminology groups in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden met in Stockholm for the first time. This led to a number of joint courses and informal discussions about various projects. There was a great need for co-operation among the Nordic countries in terminology work, and this type of co-operation proved to be very efficient. In 1987 an administrative framework was established for Nordterm.

Objectives and scope of Nordterm's work

The principal objective of Nordterm is to be a Nordic forum and network for terminology work. In order to achieve this, Nordterm will:

- promote co-operation among the Nordic countries in the field of terminology through the exchange of information, experience and results, through joint projects, and by holding conferences and symposia

- ensure the influence and role of the Nordic countries in terminology development at an international level by co-ordinating efforts and developing joint guidelines.

Nordterm will work in the areas of terminology research, practical terminology work, education in terminology and other activities that have to do with terminology.

Models of cooperation within Nordterm

In this paper I wish to discuss various models of cooperation that Nordterm as a non-legal "umbrella organisation" has succeeded in developing for the benefit of all those interested in terminological activities in the Nordic countries. One of the main principles of Nordterm has been that it gathers together organizations and individuals that are interested in both terminology re-search and education and practical terminology work. This basic principle has naturally had, during the years, different emphases and all parties involved in Nordterm's activities have had varying views of how this principle can be best preserved and kept as a balancing factor for the terminological communities of the Nordic countries. I shall discuss the problems related to this principle, the models that Nordterm has used in organizing its work and the consequences that these solutions have had on Nordterm itself and on the work of the parties engaged in its activities.

résumés/resúmenes/abstracts