Resumen de Localizing domain ontologies: The context of collaborative networks
In this study we put forward a method to support the multilingual specification of domain ontologies, through the use of localization. The method was developed to be applied during the conceptualization process in the context of a collaborative network and is based on an interlinguistic analysis that functions as support for the conceptualization of the subject field. It is terminology-based, and follows a theoretical framework that recognizes the conceptualization process as the central point for developing knowledge representation in more than one language. Thus, it is underpinned by a conceptual approach to knowledge representation, although it also considers and integrates contributions from the linguistic approach. For its construction, we have analyzed the existing gaps in the access to specialized communication and information in multilingual environments and reflected on how this scenario poses problems to international organizations. In this context, ontologies arise as an important resource to support knowledge domain representation. Although we recognize ontologies as language independent artifacts, it is our perspective that knowledge creation and access are languagebased and thus multilingual, which leads to the need for multilingual resources development, as well as localization services that help overcome the difficulties in the process of knowledge dissemination. As our reflection will show, we paid special attention to the role played by terminology in supporting the knowledge representation process, more specifically in the development of the conceptualization process and of the multilingual specification of ontologies. We, therefore, focused on the process of constructing a conceptualization of the domain’s knowledge, central to ontology building, and on its close link with the use of terminological practices and methodologies and the efficient development of conceptualization, especially in a semiformal specification phase of the conceptualization, based on the use of conceptual maps to support the knowledge representation. We will finally reflect on how this representation environment supports and enhances the experts participation in the elicitation and organization of knowledge processes and how it promotes the interdisciplinary work, namely with terminologists.
