Terminology planning from term-smithing to supporting interoperability: The Finnish case

Abstract

The conscious planning of the Finnish language and terminologies began in the 1800s as a central part of building national identity. A standard language and uniform rules for writing were agreed upon. Educated individuals — “wordsmiths” and “term-smiths” — and professional societies took this challenge enthusiastically and coined words and terms for all sectors of society. Today, the Centre for the Languages of Finland is the authority on language planning, while the Finnish Terminology Centre has the expert role in terminology planning. Terminology work is decentralized and often carried out by working groups in institutions, associations, government agencies, etc. Their goals include keeping the Finnish language and terminologies easy to use, learn and understand — not forgetting the needs of information systems.