The concept of cultural terminology (Diki-Kidiri 2000) implies two principal objectives. Firstly, it aims to contribute to a terminology theory that realistically takes into account cultural diversity and the imperative of preserving the identities of different human communities. Secondly, in the mould of socioterminology (Gaudin 1993), it enhances the argument for a sociocognitive approach (Temmerman 2000, Cabré 2000, Corbeil 1999) to denominative processes in specialized language and terminology. These approaches thus call for fresh reflections and the creation of new terminological tools if African communities are to better confront the daunting task of coping with modern concepts and technologies, without loosing their world-view, self-identity and cultural heritage.

This article will thus explore the tension between appropriating new knowledge and experiences inherent in modernity, and the need to safeguard the cultural wholeness of the affected communities. It will support and propose new theoretical approaches to terminology, and highlight their relevance to African languages and communities.

Keywords

• Cultural Diversity
• Modernity
• Terminology
• Knowledge Acquisition

(30 min. Conference Paper, English)