Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная
лингвистика
и
лингводидактика
–
Foreign
Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Journal home page:
https://inscience.uz/index.php/foreign-linguistics
The theoretical principles of toponym formation
Nodira RAJABALIYEVA
Kokand University
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
Article history:
Received April 2024
Received in revised form
10 May 2024
Accepted 25 May 2024
Available online
25 June 2024
This article explores the systematic study of place names,
known as toponymy. The text delves into the underlying
principles and methodologies that govern how names are
created for geographical locations. It examines the linguistic,
historical, cultural, and geographical factors that influence the
formation of these names, offering insights into the intricate
processes involved. Through its analysis, the text sheds light on
how toponyms reflect the rich tapestry of human civilization and
geography, serving as markers of identity, memory, and heritage.
It underscores the significance of toponymy in understanding
human interaction with the environment and the complex
interplay between language and geographical space. Research on
the theoretical principles of toponym formation is vital for
preserving cultural heritage, understanding linguistic diversity,
exploring geographical identity, facilitating spatial analysis,
informing policy decisions, and promoting interdisciplinary
collaboration. It enriches our knowledge of how human societies
interact with their environments and how place names serve as
repositories of history, identity, and geographical memory.
2181-3701
/©
2024 in Science LLC.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47689/2181-3701-vol2-iss1
This is an open-access article under the Attribution 4.0 International
(CC BY 4.0) license (
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.ru
Keywords:
linguistic adaptation,
cultural heritage,
geographical identity,
historical context,
place naming.
Toponimlarning shakllanishini nazariy prinsiplari
ANNOTATSIYA
Kalit so‘zlar
:
lingvistik moslashuv,
madaniy meros,
geografik o‘ziga xoslik,
tarixiy kontekst,
joy nomlanishi.
Ushbu maqola deb nomlanuvchi joy nomlarini tizimli
o‘rganishni o‘rganadi. Matn geografik joylashuvlar uchun nomlar
qanday yaratilishini boshqaradigan asosiy tamoyillar va
metodologiyalarni o'rganadi. Bu nomlarning shakllanishiga ta’sir
etuvchi lingvistik, tarixiy, madaniy va geografik omillarni
o‘rganadi, bu bilan bog‘liq murakkab jarayonlar haqida tushuncha
1
Teacher, World Language Department, Kokand University. E-mail: n.rajabalieva@kokanduni.uz
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
1 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
831
beradi. Matn o‘z tahlili orqali toponimlarning insoniyat
sivilizatsiyasi va geografiyasining boy gobelenini qanday aks
ettirishi, o‘ziga xoslik, xotira va meros belgisi bo‘lib xizmat
qilishiga oydinlik kiritadi. Bu toponimikaning insonning atrof-
muhit bila
n o‘zaro munosabatini, til va geografik makon
o‘rtasidagi murakkab o‘zaro ta’sirni tushunishdagi ahamiyatini
ta’kidlaydi. Toponimlarning shakllanishining nazariy tamoyillari
bo‘yicha tadqiqotlar madaniy merosni asrab
-avaylash, til xilma-
xilligini tushunish
, geografik o‘ziga xoslikni o‘rganish, fazoviy
tahlilni osonlashtirish, siyosiy qarorlar qabul qilish va fanlararo
hamkorlikni rag‘batlantirish uchun juda muhimdir. U insoniyat
jamiyatlari o‘z muhitlari bilan qanday munosabatda bo‘lishi va joy
nomlari tari
x, o‘ziga xoslik va geografik xotiraning havzasi bo‘lib
xizmat qilishi haqidagi bilimimizni boyitadi.
Теоретические принципы образования топонимов
АННОТАЦИЯ
Ключевые слова:
языковая адаптация,
культурное наследие,
географическая
идентичность,
исторический контекст,
топонимия
.
Эта статья исследуют систематическое изучение
географических названий, известное как топонимия. В
тексте подробно рассматриваются основополагающие
принципы и методологии, регулирующие создание
названий географических мест. В нем рассматриваются
лингвистические,
исторические,
культурные
и
географические факторы, влияющие на формирование этих
названий, и предлагается понимание сложных процессов,
связанных с этим. Благодаря анализу текст проливает свет
на то, как топонимы отражают богатое разнообразие
человеческой цивилизации и географии, служа маркерами
идентичности, памяти и наследия. Это подчеркивает
значение топонимики в понимании взаимодействия
человека с окружающей средой и сложного взаимодействия
между
языком
и
географическим
пространством.
Исследования теоретических принципов формирования
топонимов жизненно важны для сохранения культурного
наследия, понимания языкового разнообразия, изучения
географической
идентичности,
облегчения
пространственного
анализа,
информирования
политических решений и содействия междисциплинарному
сотрудничеству. Это обогащает наши знания о том, как
человеческие общества взаимодействуют с окружающей
средой
и
как
географические
названия
служат
хранилищами истории, идентичности и географической
памяти.
INTRODUCTION
Etymological basis: this refers to the historical or linguistic origin of a place name. It
explores how names evolve from earlier languages, cultures, or geographical features. In
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
1 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
832
English, this would be “etymological basis.”
[1] Descriptive basis: this involves naming
places based on their physical characteristics, such as mountains, rivers, forests, etc. In
English, it translates to “descriptive basis.” Commemorative basis: naming places after
people or events to honor or memorialize them.[2] This can be translated into English as
“commemorative basis.” Administrative basis: naming places for administrative purposes,
like regions, districts, or municipalities. In English, this is termed as “administrative basis.”
Associative basis: naming places based on associations with other places, myths, legends,
or cultural significance. In English, it can be translated as “associative basis.” Constructed
Basis [3] Creating new names either from scratch or by combining elements to form new
toponyms. In English
, this would be “constructed basis.” These theoretical foundations
help understand the principles and motivations behind how places are named across
different languages and cultures. Research work on the theoretical principles of toponym
formation holds significant importance for several reasons: [4] Preservation of cultural
heritage: investigating how toponyms are formed helps in preserving cultural heritage. It
provides insights into the historical, linguistic, and cultural contexts that have shaped place
names over time. This research ensures that the origins and meanings of toponyms are not
lost, thereby maintaining connections to the past. Understanding linguistic diversity:[5]
toponym research contributes to our understanding of linguistic diversity. It explores how
different languages and dialects influence the naming of places, revealing patterns of
linguistic adaptation and evolution within specific geographical regions. Geographical
identity and memory: place names often carry deep-seated meanings and memories for
local communities. Researching toponym formation helps in understanding how these
names reflect geographical identities, local histories, and societal values. It provides a
framework for interpreting the relationship between human societies and their
environments. Spatial analysis and mapping: studying toponymy aids in spatial analysis
and mapping. Researchers can use place names to map out historical territories, trace
migration patterns, and analyze cultural interactions across landscapes. This geographical
perspective enriches our understanding of human geography and spatial relationships.
Policy and decision making:[6] governments and organizations use toponymic research to
inform policy decisions related to land use, urban planning, and cultural preservation.
Understanding the principles of toponym formation helps in creating informed policies
that respect local identities and promote sustainable development. Academic and
interdisciplinary collaboration:[7] toponym research fosters collaboration across
disciplines such as linguistics, history, geography, anthropology, and sociology. It
encourages scholars to exchange knowledge and methodologies, leading to a deeper
interdisciplinary understanding of cultural landscapes and human societies.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials for research work on the theoretical principles of toponym formation
typically include: [8] toponym databases: access to comprehensive databases of place
names from different regions and languages, including historical and current names, is
crucial for comparative analysis and understanding patterns of formation. Historical maps
and atlases: historical maps provide insights into the evolution of place names over time
and their spatial distribution. Atlases help in visualizing geographical contexts and
regional variations in toponymy. Language resources:[9] linguistic resources such as
dictionaries, etymological studies, and language corpora are essential for analyzing the
linguistic roots and meanings of place names in various languages and dialects. Archival
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
1 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
833
documents:[10] historical documents, manuscripts, and archival records often contain
valuable information about the origins and changes of place names, offering insights into
cultural and political influences. Fieldwork and interviews: conducting fieldwork in local
communities to gather oral histories, folklore, and anecdotes related to place names
enriches understanding of their cultural significance and local perceptions. GIS and
mapping tools:[11] geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and mapping tools are
used to visualize spatial relationships, analyze geographical patterns of toponyms, and
integrate spatial data with other research findings. Academic literature: reviewing
scholarly articles, books, and research papers on toponymy, linguistics, geography, and
cultural studies provides a theoretical framework and supports comparative analysis.
Digital humanities tools: digital humanities tools and methodologies, such as text mining,
computational linguistics, and data visualization techniques, can be employed to analyze
large datasets of place names and identify patterns or trends. Collaboration and
networking:[12] collaborating with experts in linguistics, geography, history, and
anthropology facilitates interdisciplinary research and expands access to specialized
knowledge and resources. Ethical considerations: considering ethical guidelines in
research involving cultural heritage, indigenous knowledge, and community perspectives
is essential to ensure respectful and responsible engagement with place names and their
meanings. These materials form the foundation for conducting comprehensive and
insightful research on the theoretical principles of toponym formation, enabling scholars
to explore the multifaceted dimensions of place naming across different contexts and
cultures.
Research methods for studying the theoretical principles of toponym formation
encompass various approaches to analyze the origins, meanings, and cultural contexts of
place names. Here are some key methods commonly used in such research: etymological
analysis: this method involves tracing the linguistic roots and historical development of
place names. Researchers examine the components of names, such as prefixes, suffixes,
and root words, to uncover their meanings and linguistic origins. Historical research:
historical research involves studying archival documents, historical maps, and texts to
understand how place names have evolved. It explores historical events, migrations, and
cultural influences that have shaped the naming of geographical locations. Comparative
linguistics: comparative linguistics examines similarities and differences in place names
across languages and dialects. Researchers analyze linguistic features, phonetic changes,
and semantic shifts to identify patterns and connections between different naming
traditions. Fieldwork and ethnographic studies: fieldwork involves conducting interviews,
surveys, and ethnographic observations in local communities to gather oral histories,
cultural narratives, and indigenous knowledge related to place names. This method
provides insights into the cultural significance and local perceptions of toponyms.
Geographical analysis:
Geographical analysis uses GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and spatial
analysis techniques to map and visualize the distribution of place names. It examines
spatial patterns, geographical features, and environmental factors that influence the
naming of locations. Quantitative analysis: quantitative methods involve statistical
analysis and data mining techniques to identify patterns, frequencies, and correlations
within large datasets of place names. This approach helps in identifying trends and
patterns in toponym formation across different regions. Interdisciplinary approaches:
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
1 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
834
interdisciplinary approaches integrate methods from linguistics, geography, history,
anthropology, and cultural studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of
toponymy. Researchers collaborate across disciplines to explore the multifaceted
dimensions of place naming. Digital humanities tools: digital humanities tools, such as text
mining, computational linguistics, and database management systems, are used to analyze
and manage large datasets of place names. These tools facilitate data visualization, text
analysis, and computational modeling of toponymic data. Theoretical frameworks:
researchers apply theoretical frameworks from linguistics (e.g., onomastics), geography
(e.g., cultural landscape theory), and anthropology (e.g., semiotics) to interpret and
analyze the theoretical underpinnings of toponym formation. Critical discourse analysis:
critical discourse analysis examines the social, political, and cultural implications of place
names. Researchers analyze how power dynamics, colonial legacies, and socio-political
ideologies shape the naming and renaming of geographical locations. By employing these
methods, researchers can investigate the theoretical principles of toponym formation in
depth, uncovering the intricate relationships between language, culture, history, and
geography embedded within place names.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In the world, there are more than five and a half thousand languages. All of them
contain geographical names. Each language has rules for writing geographical names.
Knowledge of these rules is essential for professionals in communication, transportation,
foreign trade, diplomacy, and research. In this regard, the specialized field of toponymy
serves us. Author K. Paustovsky writes about toponymy: “Names speak about the national
character, symbolic representations, the way of life, history, and unique aspects of a
nation’s interests.”
[13]
“Toponymy” is a term derived from Latin, formed from the words
“topos” meaning place
,
and “nomo” meaning name. Therefore, toponymy is the scholarly
study of place names and the education concerning geographical designation and names.
The purpose of toponymy is to investigate geographical designations and names, identify
their distinctive f
eatures, analyze their formation and significance. The discipline’s tasks
include collecting geographical names in specific languages, studying their evolution,
identifying their areas, explaining the lexical, semantic, and grammatical characteristics of
names, compiling toponym dictionaries, dealing with issues such as place name
transcription, and addressing challenges like transcription of geographical names, place,
plants. Toponymy is therefore considered an essential part of geography, constituting an
inseparable segment. Toponyms endure over time and reflect various historical events and
the names of historical figures. Hence, this field is closely intertwined with the study of
history. Thus, toponymy has emerged at the crossroads of disciplines such as history and
geography. [14] Names and appellations, however, define geography. Geography and its
education cannot be conceived without names and appellations, according to prominent
geographers. They affect society's perception of life even in childhood, and the earth
contains everything and is sympathetic to our ideas. Everything has its own address on
Earth and starts where people are born. Every village and city where people live has its
own name, which is the name of the country. Newspapers read every day, magazines,
classic literature, culture, and science in our language are always expanding with new
geographic names. Changes in society, i.e., social changes, state policies, border states, and
state policies, and the place of people in the research of exploration. After Uzbekistan
gained independence, there have been significant changes and ongoing developments in
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
1 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
835
the majority of geographical names within its borders. Names that were established during
the former Soviet period, after being imposed by the Russian Empire on geographical
objects in Uzbekistan, are now being reconsidered, and their ancient historical names are
being reintroduced. With independence, new names are emerging that reflect national
identity. The education of geographical names and appellations aligns with the
requirements of the time, responding to the law on the “State Language of Uzbekistan.”
This underscores the practical importance of preparing geography teachers who can
implement these laws in life. The law on the state language has been approved, stating as
follows in Article 22:[15]
“Administrative territorial units, squares, streets, and
geographical objects of the Republic are reflected in the State language.”
Toponymic issues have long intrigued people. Our ancestors - Abu Rayhan Biruni,
Mahmud Kashgari, Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, and other scholars - paid attention to the
explanation, history, and accurate writing of place names in their time. At the beginning of
the X century, Narshakhi wrote about the history of Bukhara, leaving information about
the names Numuchkat Madinat-at-Tujor (City of Merchants) and Madinat Sufriya (City of
Craftsmen), similar to Fakhira. In the eastern parts of Narshahi Zarafshan, some sections
known as Ruduzar, locally referred to as Shopirkon, actually derive their name from
“Shopur kom,” meaning “hill bred by bees”. It was documented during the Eastern
Renaissance in Bukhara, but in a manuscript titled “Hudud
-ul-
olam”, whose author
remains unknown, it is noted that the original name of the Sirdaryo River was Hashart.
Another compatriot from that era who lived and created is Mahmud Qoshg‘ariy. A
renowned linguist and esteemed traveler, he held a distinctive position in the scholarly
w
orld. Mahmud Qoshg‘ariy’s work “Devon
-
i Lug‘atit Turk”, known as “Dictionary of Joyous
Place Names”, occupies a prominent place among the famous works of his time. Besides
nearly 100 well-
known names on the world map, “Devon” includes many obscure names
with geographical and etymological explanations. This marks the second phase of the
Eastern Renaissance period. Abu Rayhan al-
Biruni’s expertise in geography is
characterized by his significant contribution to the development of toponymy. Based on
his writings, one can learn about the history of place names and his curiosity about their
correct spelling. In his work “Kitab al
-
Hind” (Book of India), Biruni also discusses the
principles of toponymy. In this work, the scholar mentions that due to the influence of
Greeks and Arabs, Turkish words changed their meanings. For example, the Turkish word
for “stone” became “shosh” in appearance. “Toshkand
-
toshli qishloq” means “village with
stone appearance”. Ptolemy’s “Geography” book is named “Burch
-al-
hijora”(Stone
Castle).[16] According to Beruniy, some places were named after features that do not exist
there. For example, in the Yoqut mountains in the Indian Ocean, there are no actual rubies,
but due to the beauty of the women there, the mountains were named as such. Abu Rayhan
al-Biruni was also curious about the correct spelling of place names. For instance,
concerning the name of the city Multan in India, he explains based on historical sources as
follows: The original name of Multan was Koshiyapura, then it was called Hansapura, then
Bagapura, then Sanbhhapura, and finally Mulasthana, meaning “Original place” was
named: Mulasl, Tona-joy demakdir. Toponymy began to develop rapidly as a specialized
field of study after the 1950s in the 20th century.[17] During this period, numerous
scientific literatures, specialized manuals, and dictionaries were compiled on the subject.
Scientific conferences on the correct spelling of toponyms and geographic names were
held, and “Toponymy Departments”
[18] were established within geography institutes.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
1 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
836
The importance of toponymy in cartography and, conversely, the role of cartography in
toponymy were highlighted in the research of Yevgeny Pospelov.[19]
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, the study of theoretical principles governing toponym formation
reveals a complex interplay of linguistic, cultural, historical, and geographical factors.
Through the exploration of various methodologies and case studies, this research
underscores the dynamic nature of place naming, where names evolve to reflect societal
changes and linguistic influences. By integrating insights from linguistics, geography,
anthropology, and history, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how
toponyms encode rich layers of information about human societies and their interactions
with the environment. Moving forward, continued interdisciplinary research is essential
for unraveling the intricacies of toponymy and its significance in shaping cultural identities
and geographic landscapes. Research on the theoretical principles of toponym formation
is vital for preserving cultural heritage, understanding linguistic diversity, exploring
geographical identity, facilitating spatial analysis, informing policy decisions, and
promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. It enriches our knowledge of how human
societies interact with their environments and how place names serve as repositories of
history, identity, and geographical memory.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am deeply grateful to all scientists, whose guidance and expertise were invaluable
throughout this research endeavor. Their insightful feedback and encouragement
significantly shaped the direction and quality of this study. I would also like to thank
Kokand University, for providing the necessary resources and support, which facilitated
the completion of this research. I extend my sincere appreciation to the participants who
generously shared their knowledge and experiences, thereby enriching this study with
diverse perspectives. Additionally, I am thankful to my colleagues and friends for their
continuous encouragement and discussions that enhanced my understanding of toponym
formation theories. Finally, I express my heartfelt gratitude to my family for their
unwavering support and patience during this research. Their encouragement and belief in
my abilities have been a constant source of motivation.
REFERENCES:
1.
Апресян Ю.Д. Идеи и методы современной структурной лингвистики. М.,
1966.
2.
Арутюнова Н.Д. Язык и мир человека. –
М.: Языки русской культуры, 1999.
3.
Декларация прав культуры и ее международное значение // Лихачев Д. С. –
Университетские встречи. 16 текстов/ науч. ред. А. С. Запесоцкий; СПбГУП. –
СПб.,
2006.
4.
Каплина А.С. Межкультурные особенности экономического текста и
трудности его перевода.
-
М., 2012.
5.
Кубрякова Е.С. Краткий словарь когнитивных терминов. –
М.: Московский
гос. ун
-
т, 1996.
6.
Красных В. В. Некоторые базовые понятия психолингвокультурологии (В
развитие идей В. Н. Телия) / В. В. Красных // Язык. Сознание. Коммуникация:
сборник статей / под ред. В. В. Красных, А. И. Изотова. —
Москва: МАКС Пресс, 2014.
—
Вып. 50.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
1 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
837
7.
Леонтович О.А. Россия и США: Введение в межкультурную коммуникацию.
–
Волгоград, 2003.
8.
Лингвокультурология: Учебное пособие для студентов высших учебных
заведений. –
М.: “Академия”, 2001.
9.
Лингвистический энсиклопедический словарь. –
M 1990.
10.
Луков Вал. А. Тезаурусы: Субъектная организация гуманитарного знания
/ Вал. А. Луков, Вл. А. Луков. —
Москва: Изд
-
во Нац. ин
-
та бизнеса, 2008.
11.
Луков Вл. А. История культуры Европы
XVIII
—
XIX
веков / Вл. А. Луков //
История культуры Европы
XVIII
—
XIX
веков: учебное пособие. —
Москва:
Гуманитарный институт телевидения и радиовещания им. М. А. Литовчина (ГИТР),
2011.
12.
Маслова В.А. Когнитивная лингвистика. –
М.: Тетра Системс, 2004.
13.
Маслова В.А. Лингвокультурология: учеб. пособие для студ. высш. учеб,
заведений / В.А. Маслова. –
М. : Издательский центр «Академия», 2001.
14.
Mahmudov N. “Til va madaniyat”.
-
T.1992; “O’zbek tilining mazmuniy
sintaktikasi”
-T.1992.
15.
Mengliyev B., Sayfullayeva R. va boshq. Milliy tilshunoslik mustaqil rivojlanish
yо‘lida // “Ma’rifat” gazetasi, 2007 yil 21 may; Safarov SH. Pragmalingvistika. –
T.:Fan,
2008; Safarov SH. Kognitiv tilshunoslik.
–
T. Fan, 2007; Toirova G., Safarov SH. Nutqni
sotsiopragmatik о‘rganish asoslari. –
Jizzax:NS, 2006.
16.
M
иддендорф
A
.Ф. Очерки Ферганской долины. СПб, 1882 Прибавление УШ.
17.
Никишина И.Ю. Язык сознание коммуникация. // “Понятие концепт в
когнитивной лингвистике”. –
М., 2002. –
№ 21.
18.
Oxunov N. Joy nomlari ta’biri. –
Toshkent: “O‘zbekiston”, 1994.
19.
Ольшанский И.Г. Лексика, фразеология, текст: лингвокультурологические
компонентқ [Текст]//Язык и культура: сб. обзоров. М., 1999.
20.
Popov A.I. Geograficheskie nazvaniya.
–
M.-L., 1965. S. 9V.A.
21.
Поспелов Е.М. Географические названия мира. Топонимический словарь.
2-
е изд. —
М.: Русские словари: Астрель: АСТ, 2002. —
512 с.
