This Lexicon comprises a set terms & concepts that are currently in use in the genealogical domain by various parties, including its software designers, researchers, archivists, transcribers, etc. If there are different terms for the same concept, or different meanings for the same term, then all would be included together with information about where each definition/usage originated.
The requirement for a Lexicon is the result of FHISO including members from quite different disciplines. Although software vocabularies are constantly evolving, the usage of established terms from other disciplines by all parties was not always accurate, and so had the potential to cause confusion.
A "preferred vocabulary" will eventually be needed before FHISO can publish material for external consumption, and ANSI/NISO Z39.19 may be relevant to that end. The interesting thing about a genealogical data standard is that there is no precedent, and hence no obvious place to insert it in the current classification of standards (see ICS). This implicitly means FHISO will need some terms for which there is no standard set or authoritative source.
In the meantime, the goal of the Lexicon is collect together the various terms currently in use, and differentiate them when there are different meanings/nuances, and correlate them when there are different terms for the same concept.
To request an addition to this Lexicon, please contact the editors by email at lexicon@fhiso.org, preferably indicating a source for its definition/usage if one is known.
Alternative collections of terms that have not been assimilated:
- Dick Eastman, Encyclopedia of Genealogy.
- FamilySearch, Genealogical Terms.