Romanian Astronomical Terminology: Scientific vs Folk. Phenomena, Cosmic Objects and Constellations (TAFOC)

The project proposes a contrastive and interdisciplinary, diachronic, diatopic and diastratic research: Romanian astronomical terminology, both scientific and popular, denoting cosmic phenomena, processes, objects and constellations.

The goal is a cca 600 p. volume containing: (i) a suite of linguistic studies relating to the object of study; (ii) a dictionary  as a database for (i). On a theoretical and methodological level, this project constitutes the follow-up to a previous research on the meteorological terminology of atmospheric phenomena, which has been successfully completed.

The research is expected to: 1) constitute the first complete linguistic analysis of astronomical lexemes (Ts) through collaboration with the astronomy and the dialectology experts included in the team; 2) establish a complete database of popular and dialectical terms (Tp); 3) interrelate Ts and Tp by explaining Ts elements in layman’s terms and clarifying a series of Tp elements; 4) put together the first complete dictionary of astronomical terminology, in accordance with lexicographical norms (the experience of the team as authors of the DLR is taken into account).

As an absolute premiere in Romanian astronomy and linguistics, the Ts specific outline of the  sky (cosmic objects and constellations), as delimited by the Romanian language, will be identified and examined.