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AN EXAMINATION OF LINGUISTIC PARALLELS IN TOPONYMIC
LEGENDS OF ENGLISH AND KAZAKH LANGUAGES
Kurban A.M.
Turkestan, Kazakhstan
Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University
e-mail:
aruzhan.kurban@ayu.edu.kz
Aliddinova D.R.
Turkestan, Kazakhstan
Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University
e-mail:
dilnoza.aliddonova@mail.ru
Literature review:
Place names, crucial elements within the realms of geography, history, and culture,
serve as vital markers for human settlements, natural landmarks, and administrative
zones. Their significance extends to various fields, including cartography, history,
linguistics, and tourism, as they reflect the essence of a region’s landscape and heritage.
Functioning as valuable references, they aid in public services, communication, and
logistical operations, playing a pivotal role in location identification for emergency and
postal services, communication networks, defense strategies, and navigation systems [1].
While primarily associated with geographic investigations, it is worth noting that a
significant proportion of toponyms possess mythical or legendary origins. These
toponymic legends represent a genre of oral narratives that initially aimed to authenticate
the origins of names for settlements, geographical features, religious structures, and
landmarks [2].
Examining toponymic legends as integral components of a region’s spiritual
history at the local level is increasingly recognized as a promising avenue within
contemporary regional studies. Such legends serve as vital markers for preserving
national memory and territorial identity, influencing a region’s sociocultural and
economic position within the broader national context. Additionally, they contribute to
shaping a region’s positive image, serving as attractions for tourists and thereby
facilitating the region’s economic growth [3].
Throughout the ages, legends have played a vital role in the fabric of human
culture, functioning as a key conduit for passing down beliefs, values, and traditions from
one generation to the next. These tales, categorized as a form of folklore, narrate stories
of human activities believed to have unfolded in historical epochs. As per Merriam-
Webster’s definition, a legend is «a story descending from the past, often considered
historical yet not conclusively verifiable» [4]. Whether transmitted orally across centuries
or chronicled in written accounts, legends emdiv human traits and principles, imbuing
narratives with an air of authenticity.
However, owing to their fantastical and mystical elements, certain skeptics may
cast doubt on the veracity of these accounts. Over time, these narratives undergo
modifications to ensure their continued relevance and resonance [5]. Ranging from
ordinary citizens to possible historical figures, the characters featured in legends span a
diverse spectrum. Originally tied to the lives of saints, the term «legend» now
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encompasses a broad array of tales, recounting heroic exploits, fanciful adventures of
figures like King Arthur and Robin Hood, or even sensationalized chronicles of the lives
and deaths of notable personalities like Judy Garland and John Lennon.
Legends often share the stage with myths and fairy tales, serving multifaceted
roles in entertainment, moral instruction, and the preservation of local folklore. They
wield significant influence over entire cultures, constituting an integral part of the
cultural legacy of various nations. Despite the parallels between legends and myths, both
terms diverge significantly in their approaches and the credibility of their narratives.
Oxford highlights this distinction, noting that «Legends sometimes differ from myths in
their focus on human beings rather than gods, and in their purported historical grounding
compared to the more speculative nature of myths; however, maintaining these
distinctions consistently proves challenging» [6]. Additionally, myths typically possess a
lesser historical foundation, yet they share a similar existence in oral transmission,
retelling, literary adaptations, and allusions.
Expanding upon this notion, toponymic legends represent captivating narratives
elucidating the origins of geographic names, thereby providing profound glimpses into
the vibrant cultural heritage of a particular area. Beyond their storytelling appeal, these
legends hold invaluable insights that aid researchers in comprehending the historical
trajectory and cultural metamorphosis of a locality. Toponymy, as a discipline, pertains to
the exploration of place names and their connotations. Under this framework, place
names cease to be arbitrary labels, but instead become conduits for unraveling the
historical context, distinctive traits, and geographical genesis of a place. Positioned
within this domain, toponymic legends emerge as a subset entwining elements of
folklore, mythology, and indigenous customs. Delving into toponymic legends serves as
a crucial avenue for unraveling the annals of a native terrain.
In their 2014 publication, Afanasev and Trosenko examine the fundamental
attributes of toponymic legends. Firstly, these legends often incorporate inaccuracies in
interpreting name meanings or recounting historical events, typically lacking empirical
evidence and stemming from oral traditions and suppositions. Nonetheless, they hold
significant value for localities, fueling a blend of rumors, folklore, hearsay, and myths.
Secondly, toponymic legends invariably incorporate geographical references,
cementing their close ties with specific geographic features, whether landforms, water
bodies, or settlements.
Thirdly, these legends adhere to a coherent narrative structure, presenting concise,
socially meaningful tales.
Fourthly, they serve specific social purposes, including education, information
dissemination, satisfying curiosity about names, or garnering attention.
Lastly, toponymic legends find their place within the realm of folk art, allowing
each storyteller to potentially contribute their unique elements to the narrative or modify
specific aspects of the story [7].
The United Kingdom, rich in history, culture, and folklore, boasts distinct regional
traditions and tales. Of particular intrigue is the intricate web of toponymic legends
passed down over generations. These narratives not only reflect the beliefs and customs
of their creators but also unveil the dynamic history of the UK’s geography and its
people.
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In the study of historical folklore, folklorists encounter a unique challenge as
firsthand accounts from original storytellers are unavailable. Relying on archival
materials, researchers delve into old newspapers and parish records to unearth historical
evidence of folk customs such as wife sales and jack-in-the-greens. This archival pursuit
often converges with the realm of onomastics, involving the collection and analysis of
place and personal names. While the interplay between place names and folklore has
been acknowledged, there remains much to uncover about its deeper implications, as
Harte highlighted in 2019 [8].
Dindsenchas» stands out. «Dindsenchas,» translating to «lore of places,»
represents an onomastic text from early Irish literature that unravels the roots of place
names while narrating associated customs and events. This resource has been
instrumental in exploring Irish mythology, encompassing poems, prose annotations, and
independent stories. Two versions of the «dindsenchas» exist, with the initial one housed
in the 12th-century Book of Leinster, and the latter documented in subsequent
manuscripts. Although these texts shed light on the origins of local names, they are
influenced by oral traditions and serve primarily mnemonic and entertainment purposes.
However, accuracy is not their foremost concern, as some names might have been
fabricated or tailored to suit the narrative, focusing predominantly on mythical and
legendary figures. The «dindsenchas» underscores the significance of local place history
in ancient Ireland, serving as an educational tool for the elite, including warriors and
bards [9].
Kazakhstan, situated in Central Asia, displays a varied terrain comprising
expansive grasslands and towering peaks, occupying the status of the ninth-largest nation
globally, encompassing 2.7 million square kilometers. The country has hosted diverse
ethnic communities for ages, each imprinting its cultural identity on the local place
names. Kazakhstan boasts an impressive array of natural features, including over 50,000
lakes, 85,000 rivers, and an abundance of toponyms peppered throughout its expanse,
such as «Balkash,» «Akakol,» «Sasykkol,» and more [10].
The toponyms of Kazakhstan emdiv a rich heritage spanning centuries and
epochs, shaped by the multifaceted history of the region. Inhabited by various tribes,
clans, and nations, Kazakhstan’s toponyms reflect the influence of the Sakas, Kanly,
Uysin state, and other historical entities. Although new tribes and states emerged, the
enduring toponyms of the early inhabitants continue to resonate with the intricate history
of Kazakhstan [11].
Reflecting this dynamic history, toponymic legends in Kazakhstan offer intriguing
insights into the experiences and narratives of its people. According to the esteemed
folklorist Qasqabasov, there are two primary categories of toponymic legends in
Kazakhstan. The first category entails narratives that chronicle historical events, such as
the saga of «Shom Kalgan,» recounting a clash between the Kazakhs and the Kokan
people. The second category involves the etymology of place names, not necessarily
linked to specific historical events, as exemplified by the legend of «Alakozy,»
originating from a wealthy man’s lost spotted lamb during the seasonal transition,
eventually leading to the consecration of the area [12].
Results and discussions
:
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In English legends, the choice of words and expressions unique to specific regions
enriches each tale, firmly rooting it in its cultural and historical setting. For instance, the
term «carlin» in the «White Stane» legend, meaning an old woman or witch, is distinct to
Scottish dialects. Similarly, the use of «trussed» in the «Hangman’s Stone» legend
conveys the act of tightly tying up, commonly associated with rural speech. Descriptions
like «mighty rocks» and «whistled through the air» evoke power and speed, while
«handicapped» emphasizes Samson’s disadvantage in «Samson’s Stone.» Similarly,
terms like «Lowland» and «Highlanders» in the «Soldier’s Leap» legend denote specific
social statuses in Scotland, contributing to an authentic sense of regional identity integral
to these narratives. Additionally, the enduring use of the term «hag» in the same legend
underscores the lasting influence of folklore and mythology.
Conversely, Kazakh toponymic legends employ descriptive language, often
employing metaphors and figurative expressions to depict natural landscapes and events,
lending a literary sophistication to the tales. For instance, in the legend «Aqtailaq,» a
passage describes people beseeching God for bear children, conveyed with a simple yet
classical expression. Similarly, in the «Barshyn Graveyard» legend, imaginative and
metaphorical language paints a vivid picture of a beautiful and intelligent girl. While
some words may be outdated or specific to certain dialects, the majority of the
vocabulary used is clear and easily comprehensible, rendering these stories accessible to
a broader audience. In the «Arystanbab» legend, phrases such as «negotiated with each
other» («Уағдаласты»), «agreement/consent» («Бәтуа») in «Aqshoqym,» and «He found
the bag, and the work has been succeeded» («Қапысын тауып, іс насырға шабады») in
«Ayagoz» reflect archaic elements not commonly found in contemporary Kazakh
language.
The syntax and grammatical structures within these legends serve a crucial role in
creating a captivating narrative rhythm. In the English tales, strategic employment of
parallelism, as seen in «Samson and the Devil,» establishes a balanced tension between
characters divided by geography. Similarly, the repetition in «St Cuthbert» generates a
haunting refrain that reverberates throughout the story. English syntax typically adopts a
straightforward subject-verb-object approach, conveying factual events with a blend of
active and passive voices. For example, the use of passive voice in the «De’il’s Stane»
accentuates the stone’s significance, while parallel structure in the «Hanging Stone»
ensures a clear and concise storyline.
Likewise, Kazakh legends utilize uncomplicated syntax while incorporating
intricate elements such as lengthy sentences and dialogues to enhance the storytelling.
The structure follows a subject-object-verb pattern, reflecting the language’s unique
characteristics. Passive voice and other complex grammatical constructions add depth to
the narrative. Notably, many tales conclude with the phrase «Сол үшін/осыған
байланысты, осы жер осылай аталынды/аталынып кетті» (Because of that, this place
was named this way), imparting a sense of tradition. Most narratives are recounted in the
past tense, underscoring their role as part of an enduring storytelling tradition.
Both English and Kazakh toponymic legends exhibit a distinct preference for
compound place names, a linguistic trend characterized by the fusion of multiple words
to convey nuanced information about geographic locations. This linguistic practice often
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entails the integration of prefixes or suffixes, adding layers of intricacy to the naming
process and enriching the depth of these compound place names.
The prevalence of compound place names in the toponymic narratives of both
English and Kazakh cultures underscores a shared linguistic trait reflective of their
respective historical and cultural contexts. Delving into this linguistic facet offers a
profound understanding of the intricate interplay between language, culture, and the
perception of geographical spaces.
In the realm of English toponymic legends, compound place names frequently
arise from the amalgamation of descriptive terms that elucidate the physical attributes,
historical significance, or cultural symbolism of the location. Examples such as
«Whitecliff», «Springfield» or «Brimstone Hill» epitomize this trend, where descriptive
terms encapsulate the color, natural elements, or historical events associated with the
place.
Likewise, in Kazakh toponymic traditions, compound place names similarly
integrate descriptive components to convey vivid insights into the geography, natural
surroundings, or historical context of the locale. Instances like «Aqkol» (White Lake),
«Karaoba» (Black Forest), or «Zhalantus» (Golden Stone) leverage descriptive terms to
depict visual attributes or significant facets of the place.
Furthermore, the incorporation of affixes during the naming process adds depth to
compound place names in both English and Kazakh. Affixes, which can be prefixes or
suffixes, modify the base word, altering its meaning or providing contextual nuances. In
English, this practice is evident in names like «Manchester» (originating from
«Mamucio-ceaster» denoting a «Roman fort by the River Mamucium»), where the suffix
«-ceaster» signifies a Roman fortification. Similarly, in Kazakh, affixes such as «-kol»
(indicating a lake), «-zhol» (suggesting a path), or «-tau» (signifying a mountain) are
commonly used to characterize the base word, providing specific details about the
location.
The utilization of compound place names and affixes in English and Kazakh
toponymic tales not only showcases linguistic parallels but also underscores the impact of
historical occurrences, natural surroundings, and cultural ideals on the naming practice.
These compound names act as linguistic remnants, reflecting the collective remembrance
and perception of the individuals associated with these locales.
In both English and Kazakh, toponymic legends follow a distinctive narrative
structure that effectively explains the origins and development of place names. These
legends typically adhere to a linear progression, employing a Three-Act or Five-Part
Structure, comprising specific phases that enhance the storytelling experience.
Commencing with the establishment of the backdrop and the introduction of characters,
these legends lay the groundwork for subsequent events. As the narrative unfolds,
conflicts gradually escalate, adding an element of suspense and fascination. Ultimately,
the legends reach a pinnacle where conflicts are resolved or a striking revelation occurs,
leading to the resolution of the story.
The initial phase of toponymic legends lays the groundwork by vividly portraying
the geographic setting and specific location in question. This sets the stage for subsequent
developments. Moreover, it introduces the characters associated with the place names,
fostering a connection and drawing the audience into the narrative.
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Advancing into the second phase, conflicts emerge, infusing the story with tension
and fascination. These conflicts may arise from historical events, cultural clashes, or
mythical elements. As the narrative unfolds, suspense builds, engaging the audience and
intensifying their anticipation for the resolution of these conflicts.
In the concluding phase, the toponymic legends reach their pinnacle. Here, the
conflicts peak, necessitating a resolution or revelation that sheds light on the origins of
the place names. This resolution might entail a decisive event, the unveiling of a hidden
truth, or the revelation of a symbolic link. Not only does this resolution satisfy the
audience’s curiosity, but it also underscores the significance of the place names within
their respective cultural and historical contexts.
These legends rely on a well-structured framework, either the Three-Act or Five-
Part Structure, to convey the origins of place names in a coherent and engaging manner.
This systematic approach guides audiences through a logical sequence of events,
enriching their understanding of the historical significance of these toponyms.
Additionally, this framework plays a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage, as it
offers a captivating and memorable account of the legends and history associated with
place names in both English and Kazakh traditions.
In terms of narrative style, both English and Kazakh toponymic legends share a
common ground, often adopting a third-person perspective that presents an objective
portrayal of the events. Occasionally, they employ a limited third-person viewpoint,
fostering a deeper connection between the narrative and the audience. This narrative
strategy effectively captures the intricate essence of toponymic legends in both
languages, ensuring the transmission of their diverse and captivating tales.
Overall, the utilization of a third-person perspective as the narrative framework in
both English and Kazakh toponymic legends serve to maintain an unbiased and impartial
retelling of the stories, allowing readers or listeners to gain an objective understanding of
the events. By adopting this perspective, the legends steer clear of any potential biases or
subjective interpretations, guaranteeing that the narrative remains focused on the factual
aspects of the toponymic origins.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the exploration of toponymic legends as vehicles of cultural
transmission reveals their significance as repositories of collective memory and historical
knowledge. By employing structured narrative frameworks and shared third-person
perspectives, English and Kazakh toponymic legends effectively communicate the
origins and significance of place names, fostering a deeper understanding and
appreciation of cultural heritage. The parallels between these legends not only underscore
the interconnectedness of linguistic and narrative traditions but also highlight the
universal human inclination to preserve and transmit cultural identity through
storytelling. As such, the study of toponymic legends serves as a bridge between the past
and present, offering invaluable insights into the intricate tapestry of human history and
the enduring power of oral traditions in preserving the essence of diverse cultures.
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