Do/Did we Need Science in Hungarian?

Abstract

Having a Hungarian terminology is essential, as terms constructed from vernacular elements play a key role in the transmission of knowledge, facilitating access to both scientific and specialized expertise. The development of Hungarian scientific terminology has been the result of a long historical process. After the era of exclusively Latin-based scholarship, the emergence of Bible translations and mother-tongue education in the 16^th century marked the beginning of a shift. During the Enlightenment, vernacular terminology became a tool for the democratization of knowledge and the advancement of the nation. From the 19th century onward, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences implemented a systematic program to develop domain-specific terminological frameworks. In the 20^th century, terminological work came to be based on scientific principles. Today, the most important task is the continuous cultivation and safeguarding of the Hungarian scientific register, ensuring its practical applicability in alignment with the mission of the Academy.