Nina Godenhjelm: Hands-on terminology in technical communications

What does work on terminology entail for technical writers? How does or should it manifest at your job?

Technical pieces of writing are often full of specialized terms. This can include common terminology for the field but also terms which only apply to a company’s products. People may even have strong opinions over such terms. Can the processes of technical writing be applied to such work on terms? And if yes, to what extent?

Technical writers’ work on terminology must be woven together with their other tasks. But the challenge is to find the time and to define the extent of terminology-related tasks. Here, we will discuss the practical details that help get started and then proceed with such work: Which words are part of the terminology for your writing, and which ones are not. How to select terms. Which sources to consult. What other resources and sources of aid exist. Which details on each term should you record. How to apply terms. And how to split your time to avoid turning proper terminology into an impossible to reach goal!