ИСТИНА

Scientific terminology in the broad sense of the word comprises not only terms denoting general and abstract concepts and categories, but also units of nomenclature (nomens) designating specific, singular concepts and typical objects of a particular science. Hypothetically, terms and nomens could provide cultural information about the nature and personalities of the given science and scientists. In biological sciences that deal with colossal numbers and diversity of living and extinct organisms, as well as their parts, organs, tissues, cells, genes, etc., the ability to develop clear, logical and consistent principles of classifying and naming objects of study is vitally important. The foundations of scientific classification of living organisms, laid as early as in the 18th century, are embodied in the five current organism-related International Codes of Nomenclature (for Algae, Fungi, and Plants; Cultivated Plants; Zoological specimens; Prokaryotes; Viruses) and still ensure successful development of biological sciences and effective communication between native speakers of different languages. The analysis of species names from all five Codes by the methods of sampling, description and generalisation identified such characteristics of the culture of biological scientific research as systemic thinking, adherence to traditions and healthy conservatism. However, significant changes taking place in the world in general and in the scientific world in particular may force adjustments to the principles of nomination of organisms developed by Carl Linnaeus. Thus, analysis revealed the trend towards displacing Latin in the nomenclature of newer objects of biological research - viruses and genes – resulting from the rise of the English language to the status of the lingua franca of modern science. Proper binomials are supposed to be informative, indicating the morphological features (shape, size, colour), taste, smell, character, behaviour, geographical distribution, etc. of the named organisms; otherwise the names are considered biologically indifferent. However, the latter prove to be of primary interest to linguists and cultural anthropologists. In these nomens, as well as in gene nomenclature, are immortalized the names of scientists, historical figures, writers, musicians, mythological creatures, literary characters, pop culture icons, etc., revealing biologists’ professional self-identification, national, political, cultural, financial attitudes and preferences, linguocreativity and sense of humour. Key words: terminology, nomenclature, terms, nomens, biological taxonomy, binomials, culturally conditioned scientific names