This paper treats problems that are likely to affect the preparation of a demonstration model of an ASTM standard containing foreign language equivalents and suggests strategies that should be adopted to ensure reliable selections of foreign language equivalents. French is the logical choice of an initial language because of the availability of internationally harmonized ISO terminology and the close contacts that prevail between American industry and its Canadian counterparts. Through increased cooperation with other language communities and the implementation of ASTM terminology in the form of an electronic database, it may become feasible to introduce additional languages as well.

Some current ASTM terminology practices pose special difficulties for the assignment of foreign language equivalents. These include the documentation of multiple meanings for single terms within a single term entry, failure to adhere to prescribed term form, and failure to resolve redundant definitions.