SEMANTIC CHARACTERISTICS OF TOPONYMS IN GERMANY

Abstract

The article focuses on the taxonomic study оf toponyms, based on semantic and etymological information. A toponym is a word or phrase used to indicate, denote, or identify a geographic locality. The purpose of the study is to describe comprehensively the toponymic system of the German language on a broad typological background. The object of the study is a toponymy localized in the modern borders of Germany. The subject of scientific consideration are the semantic and linguistic-cultural features of German toponyms.
German-language toponymy is described as an object-system in the general language system. Toponymy divides place-names into two broad categories: habitation names and feature names. A habitation name denotes a peopled locality, and usually dates from the locality’s inception. Feature names refer to natural or physical features of the landscape and are subdivided into hydronyms (water features), oronyms (relief features), and places of natural vegetation growth (meadows, glades, groves).
The systematicity of toponymy stems from the recognition of language as a system with appropriate structures and internal relations. The toponymic system is a part of the general linguistic system, while it is an object-system of a higher rank in relation to systems of a lower rank (hydronymic, oikonymic, oronymic, etc.).
The choice of potential toponyms used for the nomination of geographical objects is determined by the physical and geographical environment and social conditions, which leads to the manifestation of compression and minimization of linguistic means used in the toponymic system of a certain territory. All types of toponymic derivation are based on the associative nature of human thinking. Speakers establish associations by contiguity by reinterpreting the meaning, so toponymic derivatives are different in semantics from the original units.