The language of graphs in business english. A terminological perspective

Abstract

Language never ceases to change, develop and expand and new words are constantly coined or invented in order to keep up with the pace of science and technology. Theoretically each specialized subject included in the English for professional purposes such as business, engineering, medicine, shipbuilding, etc. has its own terminology. However, there is no clear-cut delimitation of the specialized vocabulary characterizing each compartment of language, consequently terminologies overlap to a certain extent and terms migrate from one specialized language to another or acquire new meanings (Romanian linguists speak of migration of terms (Bidu-Vrânceanu, 2002, Cenac, 2010) whereas English linguists speak of transfer of meaning (Jackson, 2000)). When referring to a certain type of English such as Business English, the most widely accepted variants are language for special/specific purposes (LSP), specialized language, specialized terminology or variety of English (Basturkmen, 2008:15). Broadly speaking, the vocabulary of each specialized language is made up of a considerable proportion of words which are common in everyday speech; general scientific terms which are common in all areas of ESP; specialized terms or semi-technical terms, highly specialized technical terms specific for each branch of ESP and common words which are used in day-to-day conversation but which have acquired a new meaning. Due to the semantic process certain words from the general vocabulary have undergone significant changes in their meanings, resulting in the emergence of new specialized terms. The present study aims at investigating the transfer of meaning from words belonging to the common language or to other specialized languages to the language of graphs.