Theme 2: Major problems with minor languages

Linguistic communities can have the experience of feeling themselves to be in a minority for many reasons. Thus, we address here issues pertaining to minor languages where we propose to embrace a range of terms - minority languages, lesser-used languages, languages of limited diffusion, less-taught languages and endangered languages. The challenges of adequately addressing contemporary terminological needs for minor languages are many and varied since the conditions prevailing in many locales vary for historical, geographical, demographic, economic, cultural and linguistic reasons. On the other hand, parallels may be found and not only with other minor languages but with major languages also. In working towards identifying such parallels, we may find solutions in unexpected sources.

Questions:

• Do terminological user-needs differ in the case of minor languages?
• Are there different terminological user groups in different languages?
• Are different approaches needed in different circumstances?
• Do terminologists need different skills and training for minor languages?
• Have some strategies been developed which could be applied to widely-used languages?