Latvian literary terminology and folklore studies terminology have many connections. Both areas have been comparatively understudied; especially, systemic and comprehensive analysis of folklore terminology should be carried out in broader research, which would require in-depth studies of emergence, loan, choice, use, inheritance, and succession of terms. This article mostly deals with historical or chronological aspect, providing a view into some essential lexicographic, monographic, and other resources of terms.
The article aims to provide a view into the development of Latvian terminology in the 20th century (more precisely – from the beginning of independent Latvia until the restoration of independence after the Soviet occupation), paying attention to several resources of terminology. To reach the aim, a number of essential term sources of the field, which have had an impact on future terminology use and development, have been selected; characteristic of the resources is given, and specific examples are provided to illustrate the tendencies of the field’s terminology development. The publications, personalities, events, and discussions of the time help to understand what has happened in the newest terminology development period.
The article draws from the following essential resources of terminology, which have had an impact on the Latvian folklore studies terminology: “Latvian Encyclopaedia” (Latviešu konversācijas vārdnīca, 1927–1940), “Introduction into Latvian Folk Poetry” (Ievads latviešu tautas dzejā, 1940) by Ludis Bērziņš (1870–1965), “General Conceptions about Folk Poetry” (Pamatjēdzieni par tautas dzeju, 1937) by Anna Bērzkalne (1891–1956), “Latvian Folklore” (Latviešu folklora, 1948) by Jānis Niedre (1909–1987), the Terminology Commission’s 8th Bulletin (1950), “Language of Latvian Folk Songs” (Latviešu tautasdziesmu valoda”, 1961) and “Works in Folklore Studies” (Raksti folkloristikā, 1968) by Arturs Ozols (1912–1964), “History of Latvian Folklore Studies” (Latviešu folkloristikas vēsture, 1989) by Ojārs Ambainis (1926–1995).
The theoretical framework of the research consists of the studies in terminology theory and history by Māris Baltiņš and Valentīna Skujiņa, and the folklore studies history research by researchers at the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia (Māra Vīksna, Dace Bula, Rita Treija, Anda Kubuliņa, Baibas Krogzeme-Mosgorda). Also, the minutes of the Latvian SSR Academy of Sciences Terminology Commission available at the Latvian Academy of Sciences archive have been studied.
Activities of the Latvian Academy of Sciences in 2016
