His first ICOS Congress was 61 years ago

 Today, I pay tribute to a luminary in the field of onomastics, Prof. Willy Van Langendonck, whose remarkable career has left an indelible mark on linguistic scholarship. Over six decades ago, in August 1963, a young and enthusiastic Willy Van Langendonck participated in his first International Congress of Onomastic Sciences (ICOS) held in Amsterdam. Little did he know that this event would mark the beginning of a lifelong commitment to the study of names—a commitment that would see him rise to become one of the most respected figures in the field.

Born in Belgian Mechelen in 1938, Willy Van Langendonck embarked on a journey that would intertwine his life with the intricate world of names, dialects, and linguistic theory. He began his career in 1963 as an associate at the Centre International de Dialectologie Générale in Leuven. A year later, he became an assistant at the Institute for Onomastics under Odo Leys. This institute had been founded in 1923 by H.J. Van de Wijer, who played an important role in the development of onomastics. Henri Draye, the father of Luk Draye, was also once a director of the institute. However, in the mid-1970s, the Institute for Onomastics lost its independence and became part of the Department of Linguistics. Over the years, he ascended through the ranks, becoming a full professor in 2002, and cementing his status as a preeminent scholar.

Prof. Van Langendonck's contributions to the field of onomastics are numerous and significant. As a member of the Royal Commission for Toponymy & Dialectology since 1989, and a key figure in the International Council of Onomastic Sciences, where he served as editor-in-chief of Onoma and held various leadership roles from 1968 to 2002, he played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of onomastic research globally. His tenure as vice-secretary-general of ICOS from 1984 to 1987 is particularly noteworthy, during which time he worked tirelessly to promote the study of names across linguistic and cultural boundaries.

Prof. Van Langendonck's scholarly interests are as diverse as they are profound. His research has delved into the theory of proper names, exploring their typology, definiteness, genericity, and number. His work on bynames, especially within the context of South Brabant dialects, has provided invaluable insights into the personal naming systems of the region. Furthermore, his explorations of markedness, iconicity, grammatical relations, and dependency in linguistic structures have broadened our understanding of language's inner workings.

His publication record is extensive, with influential works such as Theory and Typology of Proper Names and numerous articles that have become essential reading for students and scholars alike. His research has not only advanced theoretical linguistics but has also had practical implications for the classification of names, as evidenced by his studies on foundling names and their distinctions from ordinary surnames.

Beyond his scholarly achievements, Prof. Van Langendonck's dedication to teaching and popularizing onomastics in Dutch-speaking Belgium has inspired a new generation of linguists. His commitment to education is reflected in his many lectures and keynote addresses delivered at international congresses, where his insights have been eagerly received by audiences around the world.

As we reflect on Prof. Willy Van Langendonck's extraordinary career, it is clear that his participation in that first ICOS Congress in 1963 was just the beginning of a journey that would see him become a pillar of onomastic research. His legacy is one of intellectual rigor, a passion for the study of names, and a profound influence on the field that will endure for generations to come.

In honoring Prof. Van Langendonck today, we celebrate not only his personal achievements but also the lasting impact he has had on the global onomastic community. His work continues to inspire, and his contributions will remain a cornerstone of linguistic scholarship for years to come.