Definition and making definitions

obligatory courses

Basic knowledge of terminology, lexicography and logic is required.

Classroom

The course covers the issues of definitions and making definitions, i.e. the problems of fundamental importance for lexicographic and terminological work. The topics discussed include the concept of definition, construction of definitions, types of definitions and their usefulness for different purposes, the relationship between definitions and the linguistic image of the world, types of data used to create definitions, errors in defining, differentiation of definitions depending on the recipient.

The course will cover a selected range of issues related to the subject of definition and making definnitions as well as the most common problems and errors committed in the defining process. The aim of the course is to develop the students’ ability to critically analyze language expressions, explications and definitions from the point of view of the potential ambiguity, fuzziness, equivocation or other flaws that hinder a proper understanding of the expressions. The starting point in this seminar is the presentation of the most important theoretical approaches to language and the imperfections of natural language, which can be overcome by precise formulation of meanings and skillful defining. The course will review the most important types of definitions, areas of their possible application in lexicographic, terminological and text-generating work. The issue of legal definitions and defining terms in legal texts will also be discussed. During the seminar, the students will also solve logical problems and perform exercises in defining in order to consolidate the acquired knowledge.

The student’s workload is 30 contact hours (1 ECTS) plus 30 hours of self-study (preparation for classes and a test).

K2_W01 The student knows and understands the complex structure of language as a system and the importance of definitions and defining the meaning of elements of this system for the effectiveness of the process of linguistic communication.

K2_W06 The student knows and understands the main research trends and achievements in the field of logical and linguistic formulation of lexical meanings and definitions within lexical semantics, terminological lexicography and translation science.

K2_W07 The student knows and understands in detail the research methods used in the analysis of meanings and defining language expressions.

K2_W09 The student knows and understands mutual links of the defining process with lexical semantics, lexicographic terminology, translation science and with the other fields of science.

K2_UO1 The student is able to use the acquired knowledge to conduct research in the field of logical and linguistic formulation of meanings and definitions using an appropriate methodology.

K2_UO3 The student is able to search, analyze, evaluate and select information concerning logical and linguistic formulation of lexical meanings and definitions in his native language and foreign languages at an advanced level, using the latest information and communication technologies.

K2_U04 The student is able to independently apply advanced research tools, including appropriate selection of methods and tools to solve problems and to create in-depth interpretations of logical and linguistic formulation of meanings and definitions.

K2_U06 The student is able to formulate and express his/her own views and ideas, using arguments based on the views of other authors in the field of logical and linguistic formulation of lexical meanings and definitions, and to formulate conclusions on his/ her own in oral and written form in foreign languages and in the native language.

K2_U09 The student is able to cooperate and work in a group, assuming various roles, including the role of a lexicologist and terminologist.

K2_U11 The student is able to independently acquire knowledge of lexical semantics and lexicography and assess the usefulness of the acquired knowledge, methods, practices and procedures in his or her own professional activity.

K2_K01 The student is ready to recognize the importance of the latest domain knowledge and to critically evaluate the meaning of the received content, in particular research and publications on the logical and linguistic formulation of lexical meanings and definitions.

K2_K02 The student is ready to fulfill social obligations, inspire and organize activities for the benefit of the community of translators, terminologists and lexicographers.

K2_K06 The student is ready to recognize the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems and to consult with experts in case of difficulties in independently solving the problem of definition and defining.

The final assessment of the student's performance is calculated on the basis of the following factors:

1. continuous assessment resulting from the student's activity and preparation for classes in 30%, and

2. the result of the written test in 70%.

The rules for grading written tests are based on the following percentage scale:

• over 90% - 5 (very good)

• 85%-89% - 4+ (good plus)

• 80%-84% - 4 (good)

• 70%-79% - 3+ (sufficient plus)

• 60%-69% - 3 (sufficient)

• less than 60% - 2 (failing grade)

Two absences from classes are permitted. In the event of multiple absences, the lecturer shall determine the form of getting a pass in the course material through a written or oral test.