Formalizing Association Semantics In Terminologies

Abstract

The terminology of a scientific or technical community embodies an information structure that is meaningful to that community. The conceptual model underlying a terminology can serve as the basis for an information model, as well as providing a foundation upon which the external and internal information structures can be built. In order to be useful, however, the information content behind a terminology must be formalized - made precise and explicit. One of the roadblocks to this formalization process is the issue of association semantics. Different terminologies specify associations from different perspectives and at varying degrees of specificity. These associations need to be mapped into a common model that is useful to both the terminologist and the information modeler.

“Yet because there is no remedy, but that of necessity there must be some rules: therefore certain rules are here set forth, which, as they be few in number; so they be plain and easy to anderstand … in such a language and order as is most easy and plain for the anderstanding, both of the readers and hearers. It is also more commodious, both for the shortness thereof, and for the plainness of the order, and for that the rules be few and easy.” Preface to the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer, 1549.