In this paper I will analyse the gap between the theory of terminology, the academic
discipline of translation studies, and real terminology, as it is specifically used in a
professional context and can be observed in reality.
In fact, what has long been presented as cornerstones of terminology in books for
translators is nothing but a set of almost always prescriptive principles about what
terminology should be, and not what it actually is. It thus gives to future translators
falsely idealized terms, unique references between terms and concepts and rigid
conceptual structures: principles which are not based on observation of reality.
The paper will analyse some of these myths and idealizations that have spread
through terminology as an academic discipline through real examples in French and
Spanish and will deal with some problems, such as inaccuracy, instability, completeness
and consistency, which should be pointed out to students of translation courses.
This will be useful in helping to bring the academic theory closer to actual practice of
terminology and, accordingly, to reduce the gap between the teaching of translation and
professional translation in the future.
