Understanding Terms, Types, Examples, and Factors to Know

Kapanlagi.com - Language is one of the sciences that is studied, used, and continuously developed. Therefore, it is highly likely that the terms in the Indonesian language undergo the creation and invention of new terms. The general public, as language speakers, should follow these developments.

The standardization of Indonesian terms was realized when Japan came to Indonesia in 1942. However, before that, in 1938, the First Indonesian Language Congress was held in Solo. After that, the Indonesian Language Commission was formed as a result of the Japanese authorities' prohibition of Indonesians using the Dutch language.

However, the work of the commission did not run smoothly because it turned out that Japan did not fully support it. Until 1945, when Japan left Indonesia, the commission only produced about 7,000 terms in various fields. To find out more about Indonesian terms, please read the following information.

1. Definition of Terms

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Based on the Indonesian Language Education Series entitled "Tata Istilah" (2016), the definition of a term is a word or combination of words used as a name or symbol that accurately expresses the meaning of a concept, process, condition, or characteristic in the field of science, technology, and art (science and technology). This is still divided into general terms and specific terms.

Terms themselves can be called vocabulary. This vocabulary is used in everyday human life to refer to something. For example, when a person takes a step, it can be called "walking", and when the speed is increased, it is called "running".

So, where does the designation come from? In every language, the formation of terms is open. Language starts from agreements that are then used continuously. In practice, the interaction between speakers can influence the language.

In the end, there is interaction to absorb terms. That can happen because there is no complete language. This can be realized by people who master several languages. They will look for equivalents from other languages if they want to communicate but cannot find the right terms in the language they use.

For example, English, as a language considered modern and international, also absorbs vocabulary from other languages. English absorbs vocabulary from various other languages, such as Latin, French, and Greek.

The same thing happens in Indonesian. The source of Indonesian terms comes mainly from Indonesian language (including borrowed elements), regional languages, and foreign languages (for example, English, Arabic, Dutch).

2. Types of Common and Specific Terms

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Common Terms

As mentioned above, terms are divided into one of them, namely common terms. Common terms are words that originally come from a specific field and are then used widely to be considered as common vocabulary.

Example: table, chair, and cabinet originally were terms in the field of furniture or interior. Because these furniture items are widely used, the terms become common.

Specific Terms

Specific terms are vocabulary that is used limitedly in a specific field. Although a term has existed for a long time, it still does not become a common vocabulary used in everyday life. Usually, it is only used in a specific field, such as medicine, economy, and politics. For example, you can read the following explanation.

- cardiovascular, hypertension, morbidity, and mortality are terms that have long been used in the field of medicine or health. These terms are used to explain things that are only related to the field of health.

- deflation, bull market, bear market are vocabulary in the field of economy that are specifically used to discuss that field.

3. Factors in Term Formation

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Before a term becomes vocabulary, whether common or specific, there are several factors to consider. Based on the Indonesian Language Outreach Series titled "Tata Istilah" (2016), there are several requirements or considerations for choosing a term as follows.

- The term is chosen from the word or phrase that is most appropriate to express a concept. In Indonesian, for example, there are two or more words that have similar meanings, such as "area", "kawasan", "daerah", and "wilayah". To determine the term to be used, you need to consider the most appropriate meaning to represent the concept.

- Conciseness of words and phrases is a consideration in determining the use of a term. For example, "pakan" is chosen because it is more concise than "pakan ternak". Another example, "jelaga" is chosen because it is more concise than "hitam arang".

- The term is chosen because it has a good taste or connotation. For example, "tunawisma" is more commonly used than "gelandangan" and "mantan" (for people) is more commonly used than "bekas".

- The term is chosen because it is considered more euphonic or pleasant to hear. As an example, "effective" is more frequently used than "mangkus" and "efficient" is more commonly used than "sangkil".

- Technical terms are used because they adhere to the rules of the language. For instance, "Perajin" is preferred over "pengrajin" because it follows the rules of the Indonesian language.

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