The problem of polyonymy in the literature of Turkish grammar: The example of term dictionaries

This study aims to address the problem of polyonymy in Turkish grammar and linguistics terminology in the context of term dictionaries. Polyonymy in linguistic terminology is the situation where the same concept is expressed by different terms or the same term is used in different meanings. This situation negatively affects the consistency of linguistic research and academic communication. In this study, the polyonymy appearances of ten different dictionaries of grammar and linguistics terms published from 1949 to the present day were analysed. As a result of the analyses, it was seen that the standardization of terms in Turkish grammar and linguistics terminology has not been achieved and this situation has led to term confusion. The existence of different meanings and uses of terms causes uncertainties in scientific communication and academic studies. The findings of this study show that in order to solve the problem of polyonymy in linguistic terminology, terms should be defined in a more consistent and standard way. The Turkish Language Institution and related academic institutions should agree on a common terminology and the dictionaries should be updated. Moreover, a more participatory and interdisciplinary approach should be adopted in the creation and definition of terms.