Mind the (terminological) gap: 10 misused, ambiguous, or polysemous terms in linguistics

Abstract Linguistics is a relatively young field. The birth of a new, vibrant field of research often brings with it certain challenges such as the initial absence of an uncontroversial canon and a certain lack of terminological clarity. Following the example of closely allied disciplines, this work aims to register ambiguities in the use of ten terms in linguistics, with the overarching aim to aid field-internal coherence and field-external visibility. Among other issues, we discuss the influential ‘three factors’ model, labeling, reference, and E-/I-language. Addressing the challenge of looking back while moving forward, we compile a collection of definitions and/or presentations extracted from knowledge-rich contexts for each term, grounded in current usages. We first reflect on previous usages in order to present the first definitions of these terms and track terminological ambiguities that arose throughout their subsequent use. We then attempt to transition towards terminological clarity, providing specific recommendations for a more transparent use of these terms.