www.focal.ie terminology project

Abstract

This paper presents an EU-funded project for Irish and Welsh which will be accessible from 2007 at www.focal.ie. This is a major initiative in two Celtic languages. The context and content of the Irish implementation strand are discussed here. An overview is presented of the development of terminology in Irish, and the project presented demonstrates the potential for innovation and renewal through the development of sophisticated linguistic tools for users of all levels. This paper explores some of the linguistic and editorial challenges faced by the project team. It demonstrates the need for transnational cooperation in sustaining European linguistic diversity, and a potentially pioneering role for lesser-used languages through modern communications technologies.