Terminological Data Banks: a model for a British Linguistic Data Bank (LDB)

A description of a model linguistic data bank (LDB) for a British market will be given, based on the results of a continuing feasibility study. A LDB represents an economical and highly efficient way of organizing Britain’s efforts in the field of terminology, both with respect to English and the many foreign languages through which contact is maintained with non-English speaking countries. The institutional and organizational structure will be outlined. Emphasis will be placed on services to be provided to various groups, and in particular to translators, and on the important role these groups will play in assuring the continued viability and relevance of the LDB, not only as users, but as contributors and advisers. Data acquisition policy and financial aspects will be considered. A multilingual, multidisciplinary British LDB will provide translators with a valuable service, whose applications are many, whose products are varied to cater for a wide range of needs, whose terminology is continually revised and updated and whose modes of consultation are several. THIS PAPER IS based on results obtained from a continuing feasibility study of the establishment of a terminological data bank in the United Kingdom, a study bein