Framing the Concepts in Specialized Texts: a Cognitive Approach to Terms in Qantas 32 Investigation Report and Their Translations

Abstract

Terminology plays a vital role in modern science and technology. Likewise, terminological competence is an essential requirement for all translation professionals. Based on the cognitive linguistics approach, FABER, MÁRQUEZ & VEGA (2005) developed a frame-based terminology model, highlighting the importance of establishing a conceptual network. English is the de facto language for international civil aviation. It proves a crucial challenge to non-native speakers of English to improve their terminological competence for translation in this domain. To develop terminological competence in translation, we translated 10 sections of the Qantas Flight 32 Occurrence Investigation Report from English to Chinese. Drawing from FABER, MÁRQUEZ & VEGA’s model, we explored the make–up of terminological competence in specialized translation from three parts, i.e. establishing a conceptual network, collocating terminological units and verifying them using images.