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C10.38 IGU/ICA Commission/Working Group on Toponymy
Session: Place names as markers and ingredients of space-related identity
Chair(s): Peter Jordan & Cosimo Palagiano
Abstract:
The session addresses the symbolic functions of place names as labels of a place and in supporting emotional ties between people and place.
In its label function a place name represents a space-related concept filled with contents. The name conveys these contents to inhabitants of the place as well as to people from the outside insofar the latter know these contents or have learned about them (as this is, e.g., the case with tourism marketing). In this function place names are very similar to flags or coats of arms. It is characteristic for strong space-related identities that their names are reflected many times, e.g. in names of restaurants, hotels, dishes, ships, trains, newspapers etc.
The function of supporting emotional ties affects only persons well-acquainted with a certain place. These are in the first line inhabitants; secondly also people, who have been socialized in a certain place and later left it; thirdly also persons, who have only in a later stage of their life found a certain emotional relation to a place, e.g. as frequent vacationers. For them mentioning or memorizing a name means to strengthen “the feel of a place” (Yi-Fu TUAN 1977, pp. 183f) and to let the emotional tie with it grow. In this function place names are an important factor of “feeling at home”.
Both functions are especially important for linguistic minorities. While the identity of cultural majorities is usually (except in border regions) not challenged day by day, minorities are usually in a more defensive position and feel therefore a special need for demonstrating that they exist, are present for generations, have co-shaped culture and cultural landscape of a certain place. Place names in their own language on signposts, on maps, in official documents are most likely more than for others important in their symbolic function as a label as well as in their function to support emotional affiliation. For the member of a minority, place names in his/her language in official use (e.g. on a signpost) very often symbolize recognition, a confirmation to be accepted by the majority and to be at home at this place.
Timeslots: 1
Abstract:
The session addresses the symbolic functions of place names as labels of a place and in supporting emotional ties between people and place.
In its label function a place name represents a space-related concept filled with contents. The name conveys these contents to inhabitants of the place as well as to people from the outside insofar the latter know these contents or have learned about them (as this is, e.g., the case with tourism marketing). In this function place names are very similar to flags or coats of arms. It is characteristic for strong space-related identities that their names are reflected many times, e.g. in names of restaurants, hotels, dishes, ships, trains, newspapers etc.
The function of supporting emotional ties affects only persons well-acquainted with a certain place. These are in the first line inhabitants; secondly also people, who have been socialized in a certain place and later left it; thirdly also persons, who have only in a later stage of their life found a certain emotional relation to a place, e.g. as frequent vacationers. For them mentioning or memorizing a name means to strengthen “the feel of a place” (Yi-Fu TUAN 1977, pp. 183f) and to let the emotional tie with it grow. In this function place names are an important factor of “feeling at home”.
Both functions are especially important for linguistic minorities. While the identity of cultural majorities is usually (except in border regions) not challenged day by day, minorities are usually in a more defensive position and feel therefore a special need for demonstrating that they exist, are present for generations, have co-shaped culture and cultural landscape of a certain place. Place names in their own language on signposts, on maps, in official documents are most likely more than for others important in their symbolic function as a label as well as in their function to support emotional affiliation. For the member of a minority, place names in his/her language in official use (e.g. on a signpost) very often symbolize recognition, a confirmation to be accepted by the majority and to be at home at this place.
Timeslots: 1
Session: Reading the landscape on the ancient maps
Chair(s): Cosimo Palagiano & Paulo Marcio Leal de Menezes
Abstract:
The historical maps are an useful tool for indentifying the place names and their meaning. Particularly in the ancient world many place names allow to describing the different layers of history an society. The panels have to be commented with the history of the place names . In addition to this it is necessary to be supported by linguistists and other scholars for interpreting the changes of the current form of place names.
Timeslots: 1
Abstract:
The historical maps are an useful tool for indentifying the place names and their meaning. Particularly in the ancient world many place names allow to describing the different layers of history an society. The panels have to be commented with the history of the place names . In addition to this it is necessary to be supported by linguistists and other scholars for interpreting the changes of the current form of place names.
Timeslots: 1