atw: Re: Symbology

Which of the suggested words is the simplest, and conveys the meaning best
to the widest possible audience?

Due to frequency of appearance, Key is my vote. 

-----Original Message-----
From: austechwriter-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:austechwriter-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
Howard.Silcock@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Tuesday, 29 August 2006 10:29 AM
To: austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: atw: Symbology

In a document I've been editing I came across the term 'symbology'. It
referred to an explanation of the symbols used in a display - what I'd
usually call a legend or key. 

My instinct was to strike it out with a flourish of red ink, as I thought
that word's proper meaning was the *study* of symbols, and this looks like a
ridiculously pompous word to use in such a context. I hesitated, however,
because, knowing the linguistic trends in the software industry, I half
expect to find it's a standard usage that just hasn't yet crossed my path. 

Has anyone else seen this usage? And, if so, is it common?

The dictionary also made me wonder, because it offers as one meaning 'use of
symbols'. Maybe it's meant to be a kind of parallel to 'terminology'.

Should I strike it out (thumbs down) or leave it alone (thumbs up)?

Howard


Howard Silcock
Technical Writer
Electronic Systems
ADI Limited
PO Box 14, Deakin, ACT 2600
Ph. +61 2 6234 6075
Fax +61 2 6234 6011
Email: howard.silcock@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Web page: www.adi-limited.com 


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