Professor Carlos Garrido from the Faculty of Philology and Translation at the University of Vigo has unveiled his latest work, Dicionário de Zoologia e Zoonímia dos Invertebrados, which compiles around 180,000 terms in four languages. This significant contribution to zoological terminology and scientific translation is the largest collection of vernacular names for invertebrates in Galician-Portuguese and Spanish to date.
The book was presented on Friday at the Faculty of Biology, with Garrido joined by Salustiano Mato, a zoology professor and former rector of the University of Vigo, and David Tizón, director of the University’s Publications Service.
A unique resource for biology
The director of the Publications Service described the dictionary as “an exceptional milestone in the world of biology, a unique work that addresses a historical problem: the lack of proper names for invertebrates in our languages.” He highlighted the dual nature of the publication, which includes a digital version designed for quick access from any device, alongside a carefully curated print edition, described as “a true collector's item available at an accessible price.”
Mato emphasised Garrido’s expertise, noting that creating such a work requires a blend of systematic zoology, terminology, and specialised translation. Garrido holds a doctorate in biology with a thesis on the taxonomy of Iberian fauna and is also a specialist in translation and terminology.
Extensive research and development
The dictionary, spanning 1,356 pages, offers a comprehensive repertoire of scientific, parascientific, and vernacular names for protozoa and invertebrate animals, as well as information on their morphology, physiology, embryology, ecology, phylogenesis, and systematics. Known by the acronym DZZI, the work includes approximately 180,000 terms, 31,200 definitions, and 28,000 zoonymic entries, with around 26,200 providing vernacular or parascientific designations in all four languages.
This current edition represents the third version of a project that began nearly 30 years ago. The first edition, published in 1997 by the Galician Language Association (AGAL), contained around 15,000 terms across four languages, while the second version, released in 2019 by the University of São Paulo in Brazil, included approximately 60,000 terms and 7,000 definitions.
Innovative naming practices
One notable feature of the dictionary is the creation of new vernacular names in Galician-Portuguese and Spanish based on English and German terms. This careful semantic calque aims to provide suitable names for zoological groups lacking traditional designations. The process involves challenges related to interpreting the motivations behind names and selecting the most appropriate source language.
Garrido explained that many of the neologisms in the dictionary arise from this semantic calque, reflecting various motivations such as references to animal diets, comparisons with other species, or cultural elements. The inclusion of these linguistic equivalents enhances the resources available for scientific translation and writing.
A tool for education and research
The dictionary also features a wide range of terms specific to phylogenetic or cladistic systematics, which are crucial for research and teaching in biology. The work employs the term 'Português' to identify the Galician-Portuguese language, catering to its international audience while ensuring that Galician variants are equally represented.
With its extensive coverage and comprehensive treatment of taxonomic nomenclature and zoological terminology, the DZZI seeks to serve as a reference tool for biology students and educators, as well as professionals in translation and scientific writing.
