What is ISO 55350:2018?

ISO 55350:2018 is an international standard that provides guidelines for the compilation and use of terminological entries in different fields. Terminology plays a crucial role in promoting effective communication and knowledge sharing, ensuring that terms are used consistently and accurately across various domains. This standard aims to establish principles for terminological work, including the development, maintenance, and presentation of terminological resources.

Terminology Development Process

The development of terminological entries involves a systematic process that ensures accuracy, clarity, and relevance. ISO 55350:2018 suggests several steps for creating reliable terminological resources:

Identification of terminological needs: This initial phase entails identifying the specific domain or subject area for which the terminology will be developed.

Collection of terms: Experts and practitioners collect relevant terms from various sources such as literature, documents, and specialized databases.

Definition and description: Each term is defined precisely to convey its intended meaning, using concise language and avoiding ambiguity.

Relationship establishment: Terms are analyzed in their context, and relationships between related terms are established, taking into account synonyms, antonyms, broader or narrower terms, and hierarchical structures.

Verification and validation: The compiled terminology is thoroughly reviewed and verified by experts to ensure accuracy, consistency, and completeness.

Presentation and dissemination: The final terminology is presented in suitable formats (e.g., electronic databases or printed resources) for easy accessibility and utilization.

Benefits of Using ISO 55350:2018

Implementing ISO 55350:2018 brings several benefits to organizations and individuals involved in terminology work:

Enhanced communication: Consistent and precise use of terms facilitates effective communication within a specific field or across various domains, reducing misunderstandings and improving knowledge exchange.

Terminology management: The standard provides guidance on how to effectively manage terminological resources, ensuring their accuracy, efficiency, and usability.

Quality assurance: ISO 55350:2018 emphasizes the importance of rigorous verification and validation processes, ensuring that compiled terminology is reliable, up-to-date, and fit for purpose.

Global harmonization: By following international standards, organizations can align their terminology work with established best practices, facilitating interoperability and harmonization across different countries and sectors.

Conclusion

ISO 55350:2018 plays a significant role in standardizing the development and use of terminology. It provides clear guidelines and principles, ensuring consistency and accuracy throughout various fields and industries. Adhering to this standard promotes effective communication, improves knowledge exchange, and enhances overall quality in terminological work.