THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF STUDYING TOPONYMS IN LINGUISTICS

Abstract

The study of toponyms within linguistics is underpinned by a rich theoretical framework that draws from various linguistic disciplines and interdisciplinary perspectives. Phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics provide insights into the sound structures, morphological formations, syntactic roles, and semantic meanings of place names. Historical linguistics delves into the historical development and etymology of toponyms, while sociolinguistics examines their social and cultural significance, including issues of identity, power, and language contact. Cognitive linguistics offers perspectives on the cognitive processes and conceptualizations underlying toponymic creation and interpretation. Anthropological linguistics explores the cultural contexts and practices associated with place naming, while geolinguistics focuses on the spatial distribution and variation of toponyms. By integrating these theoretical approaches, researchers gain a holistic understanding of toponyms as linguistic artifacts embedded within broader social, cultural, and geographical contexts.