Latest Issue of the Bulletin de la Commission Royale de Toponymie et Dialectologie (Volume 95, Issue 1, 2024)

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We are excited to introduce the latest edition of the Bulletin de la Commission Royale de Toponymie et Dialectologie, which continues to showcase insightful research at the intersection of toponymy and dialectology. This issue, marking Volume 95, presents a fascinating range of topics, from etymological analyses and pronunciation studies to historical dialect boundaries and cultural diversity.

• Annual Report 2022 – Presented by José Cajot, Jean Germain, and Chris De Wulf, this report provides an overview of the Commission’s activities and accomplishments over the past year.

• List of Members – Compiled by Chris De Wulf, the updated member list acknowledges the contributions of the scholars and experts who make the Bulletin possible.

• In Memoriam: Reine Mantou – Jean Germain offers a tribute to Reine Mantou, celebrating her legacy and dedication to the field.

Featured Articles:

• “Lapscheure, Etymologically Torn: An Overview of Views, New Findings, and a Proposal for Reconciliation” by Luc De Grauwe
  Luc De Grauwe presents a compelling analysis of Lapscheure’s etymology, exploring different interpretations and introducing new findings in an effort to reconcile longstanding debates.

• “Study of Variation in the Contemporary Local French Pronunciation of Hesbignon Toponyms” by Robin Joassin
  Robin Joassin investigates the nuances in the pronunciation of specific Hesbignon toponyms, such as Lens-Saint-Remy, Lens-Saint-Servais, Lens-sur-Geer, and Abolens, providing insights into local dialectal influences on place names.

• “Picardisch in Flemish/Dutch” by Frans Debrabandere
  Frans Debrabandere delves into the interactions and overlaps between the Picard and Flemish/Dutch dialects, illuminating linguistic exchanges and shifts that enrich the regional linguistic landscape.

• “Early Medieval Funerary Diversity and the Deepest Dialect Boundaries in the Low Countries” by Luc Van Durme
  In this study, Luc Van Durme examines the deep-rooted dialect boundaries of the Low Countries, tracing their connections to early medieval funerary practices and the diverse cultural groups they reflect.

This latest issue of the Bulletin not only continues the Commission’s tradition of scholarly excellence but also brings forward new perspectives that deepen our understanding of the linguistic, historical, and cultural dimensions of place names and dialects.

We invite you to explore this edition and join us in celebrating the ongoing contributions to toponymy and dialectology that this Bulletin represents.

50 Years of Österreichische Namenforschung: Anniversary Symposium Highlights

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Beiträge zur Jubiläumstagung „50 Jahre Österreichische Namenforschung“, Linz, 25.–26.5.2023

Peter Ernst, Stephan Gaisbauer (Herausgeber)

368 Seiten / 2024 / Praesens Verlag / 978-3-7069-1261-7 (ISBN)

We are thrilled to present the latest issue of Beiträge der Jubiläumstagung "50 Jahre Österreichische Namenforschung", celebrating five decades of the Austrian journal dedicated to name research. This special edition brings together an impressive collection of contributions from leading scholars in the field, each exploring diverse dimensions of onomastics across Central Europe and beyond. These articles delve into both historical foundations and future perspectives, showcasing research that underscores the importance of names in understanding cultural, linguistic, and social identities.

Featured Articles

• Peter Ernst offers a concise history of publications from Österreichische Namenforschung, reflecting on the journal's evolution and its role in Austrian onomastic studies.

• Wolf-Armin Frhr. von Reitzenstein explores Blätter für oberdeutsche Namenforschung, a foundational journal in Southern German name research.

• Albrecht Greule discusses the implications of migration, popularization, and digitalization on naming practices, providing a thought-provoking assessment of contemporary trends.

• Thomas Lindner presents a progress report and future perspectives on the Historisch-Etymologische Lexikon der Salzburger Ortsnamen, a project invaluable for historical and etymological research on Salzburg’s place names.

• Gerhard Rampl and Elisabeth Gruber-Tokic share insights from their citizen science project Flurnamenerhebung im Bundesland Tirol, which gathers and documents local field names in Tyrol.

• Wolfgang Janka introduces place name research projects led by the Commission for Bavarian Regional History, underscoring the enduring importance of regional onomastic studies.

• Hubert Bergmann provides a study on the pronunciation of Austrian family names, addressing orthoepic considerations in the context of cultural identity.

• Nicolas M. Jansens and Harald Bichlmeier present the project Sprach- und Kulturdynamik in einer Frontiergesellschaft, exploring linguistic and cultural dynamics in medieval Northeast Bavaria and West Bohemia.

• Dieter Kremer offers a sketch of family names in Chemnitz, shedding light on their etymology and historical significance.

• Marietta Calderón delves into onomastics within German-speaking Romance studies, discussing interdisciplinarity and current research desiderata.

• Ulrike Thumberger examines how proper names in Austrian songs contribute to the construction of national identity, offering a unique cultural perspective.

• Margarete Platt traces field names in Vienna and its surroundings from the Middle Ages to the present, capturing their historical and cultural evolution.

• Martin Hannes Graf discusses the perspectives of place name research in Switzerland, highlighting recent advancements and future goals.

• Simone Berchtold Schiestl introduces the Familiennamenatlas der Deutschschweiz, mapping family names in German-speaking Switzerland and touching on their relationships with Romance-speaking areas.

• Márta Müller investigates street-naming conventions in the Ofner Bergland, providing an insightful look into urban onomastics.

• Kitti Hauber explores sociocultural aspects of German family names in the Carpathian Basin during the 18th century.

• Martina Piko-Rustia documents oral Slovenian geographical names in Carinthia, discussing challenges of transcription and standardization.

• Heinz-Dieter Pohl examines the intertwined Slovenian and German naming traditions in Carinthia/Koroska, celebrating a millennium of shared heritage.

• Emanuel Klotz presents a model for determining the probability of interpreting borrowed toponyms, with examples from the Slavia Tirolensis region.

Each of these articles brings a fresh perspective on the evolving field of onomastics, demonstrating the discipline’s relevance in understanding language, migration, and cultural dynamics in contemporary society. We invite readers to engage with this rich array of studies and celebrate this milestone issue, marking fifty years of contributions to Austrian name research.

Переименование в Казахстане и его ономастика

Депутат Сената Нурторе Жусип несколько недель назад предложил перестать учитывать мнение местных жителей при осуществлении ономастических преобразований. Мол, согласования на местах стопорят переименования населённых пунктов и улиц, что противоречит национальным интересам Казахстана. Предлагает изменить законодательство таким образом, чтобы правительство могло возвращать традиционные и исторические названия по своему усмотрению. Что можно сказать по этому поводу?

Review of the 5th International Aleksandras Vanagas Conference "Language and Culture Dialogue in 21st Century Onomastics"

 

https://www.facebook.com/Lietuviukalbosinstitutas

The 5th International Scientific Conference Language and Culture Dialogue in 21st Century Onomastics, held on November 7-8, 2024, was a remarkable event that brought together onomastics scholars from around the world, both in person and virtually, at the Institute of the Lithuanian Language in Vilnius. The conference honored the legacy of Aleksandras Vanagas, an influential Lithuanian linguist, while exploring the profound connections between names, identity, and cultural heritage in modern society.

Conference Highlights

Day 1: Setting the Stage for Dialogue The conference opened with remarks from Aurelija Tamulionienė and Grasilda Blažienė, welcoming attendees and setting an enthusiastic tone. The plenary session featured notable talks, including Artur Gałkowski’s insights on the development of onomastic terminology and Olena Fomenko’s analysis of public naming practices in wartime Ukraine. The sessions throughout the day provided valuable perspectives on topics such as Lithuanian place names, the cultural significance of names, and onomastic practices in literature.

Day 2: Engaging Presentations and Thought-Provoking Topics On the second day, attendees enjoyed a total of 27 presentations, covering diverse topics including Lithuanian regional toponymy, the survival of Prussian names in multicultural settings, and the content and specificity of modern name studies. The hybrid format allowed for participation from scholars worldwide, enhancing the dialogue between researchers from different backgrounds.

Reflections and Closing Remarks The conference concluded with reflections from Dr. Rita Miliūnaitė, Chair of the Scientific Council of the Institute of the Lithuanian Language, and Dr. Darius Ivoška, Head of the Research Centre of Baltic Languages and Onomastics. Dr. Miliūnaitė eloquently summarized the event, noting that over the two days, participants explored “the language of the Earth – place names, personal names, surnames, their history, and their transformations in the modern world.” She emphasized that “names are a spoken thread that connects us all, allowing us to feel part of society and the global community, helping us remember important figures and draw inspiration from their work and experiences.”

Dr. Ivoška celebrated the robust turnout and underscored the importance of sharing onomastics research beyond academia. In his words, “It is worth not only developing onomastic science in isolation but also sharing its findings and discoveries with colleagues from around the world.” He expressed hope that this tradition would continue and that even more researchers would gather for the 6th conference dedicated to Aleksandras Vanagas.

Key Takeaways and Future Directions

The conference highlighted emerging trends in onomastics, from digital humanities applications to studies on multilingualism and cultural identity. Here are a few notable themes:

1. Regional and Cultural Heritage: Presentations emphasized the importance of preserving historical names, especially in regions with rich multicultural pasts, such as Lithuania and the broader Baltic area.
2. 
   Names as Connectors: The reflections from Dr. Miliūnaitė and Dr. Ivoška underscored how names serve as connectors across time and cultures, a theme that resonated throughout the sessions.
   
3. Collaborative Research and Knowledge Sharing: With researchers from around the world in attendance, the conference promoted a spirit of collaboration and encouraged sharing onomastic insights with a global audience.

Conclusion

The 5th Aleksandras Vanagas Conference demonstrated the depth and interdisciplinary nature of onomastics, bridging historical insights with contemporary questions. The event highlighted the role of names in preserving cultural memory and fostering connections within society. Attendees left with a renewed appreciation for the power of names and the inspiration to continue exploring this fascinating field. With the success of this conference, anticipation is already building for the 6th Aleksandras Vanagas Conference, promising an even wider gathering of onomastic scholars from around the globe.

Conférence « L’empreinte française dans la toponymie québécoise »

 

Lundi 25 novembre 2024 – 17h

Conférence

« L’empreinte française dans la toponymie québécoise 
Une histoire d’héritage et de préservation culturelle »

par Sylvain Beaupré, professeur à l’Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue

L’influence française dans la toponymie québécoise incarne les liens historiques, culturels et linguistiques qui unissent la France et le Québec. Il s’agit d’un héritage inestimable, jalousement préservé par les Québécois, qui témoigne de leur appartenance à la francophonie mondiale et de leur attachement à une identité unique.

Cette présentation a pour objectif de mettre en lumière la profondeur, la pérennité et la complexité de cette influence française sur la toponymie du Québec. Elle révèle ainsi une histoire d’exploration, de colonisation, de résilience et de préservation culturelle. Chaque toponyme constitue un chapitre du récit captivant de la relation franco-québécoise, une relation qui continue d’évoluer et de se renforcer au fil des siècles.

À propos du conférencier : anthropologue de formation, Sylvain Beaupré est spécialisé dans les méthodes de recherche qualitative, l’analyse des pratiques enseignantes, ainsi que l’étude du monde du travail et des dynamiques scolaires. Plus récemment, il a étendu ses recherches à la toponymie, en explorant les origines autochtones et européennes des noms de lieux au Québec.

Archives nationales, site de Paris
CARAN — salle d’albâtre
11 rue des Quatre-Fils
75003 Paris

Accès libre et gratuit

Cliquez ici pour rejoindre la réunion

Finnish Conference of Onomastics 2024

The 2024 Finnish Conference of Onomastics was held on November 7-8 at the University of Helsinki, attracting scholars and enthusiasts in the field of onomastics from across Finland. The conference presented a rich program of presentations on diverse topics related to names and naming practices, with sessions available both in-person and online.

Conference Overview

Location and Schedule: The event took place at two main venues: the University of Helsinki's main building (Room F3005) and the Language Centre (Room 115). The conference sessions were streamed online for remote attendees, making the discussions widely accessible.

Workshop for Doctoral Candidates – November 7, 2024: The conference began with a workshop specifically designed for doctoral candidates and their advisors. Led by Milla Juhonen, this text workshop provided an opportunity for aspiring onomasticians to present and refine their research projects with guidance from experienced scholars. Interested participants were encouraged to contact Juhonen directly for further details.

Conference Program – November 8, 2024

Morning Session Highlights (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM):

• Opening Remarks and Introduction of Name of the Year 2024 Finalists
  Lasse Hämäläinen commenced the day by welcoming participants and introducing the finalists for the Finnish Name of the Year 2024.

• Overview of 2024 Naming Events
  Terhi Ainiala provided a comprehensive summary of onomastic events at the University of Helsinki throughout the year, highlighting the university's significant role in advancing name research.

• Featured Presentations

  • Hanna Virranpää explored how place names contribute to the construction of place descriptions and cultural perceptions within letters from Finnish Canadians, offering insights into how diaspora communities maintain connections with their heritage.
  • Milla Juhonen discussed representations of the Helsinki neighborhood Kontula in Finnish crime novels, examining how the neighborhood is portrayed as a “burden of residence” and how it contributes to character building in fiction.
  • Nelma Manninen and Taarna Valtonen analyzed character names in Väinö Linna’s The Unknown Soldier, providing a linguistic perspective on name choice within Finnish literature.

Afternoon Session Highlights (12:00 PM – 5:00 PM): The afternoon session, held at the Language Centre, featured a keynote presentation by Olli Salomies on Roman naming conventions, followed by a diverse array of presentations:

• Maria Sarhemaa discussed references to Hungary in Finnish parliamentary speeches, shedding light on the symbolic role of international place names in political discourse.
• ICOS 2024 Helsinki: Reflections and Experiences offered a retrospective on the International Congress of Onomastic Sciences, held in Helsinki earlier this year.
• The much-anticipated announcement of the Finnish Name of the Year 2024 took place shortly before the coffee break.

Additional presentations included:

• Satu Siiskonen examined the names of modern Finnish pharmacies, revealing the trends and cultural considerations behind business naming practices.
• Anna Lea Sinneberg presented on "perk names" in the context of an online multiplayer horror game, highlighting the intersection of onomastics and digital gaming culture.
• Edla Szabó analyzed the structure and popularity of compound names among Finnish women, focusing on the 200 most common combinations.
• Petra Saarnisto shared observations on the vocabulary and structure of newly created Finnish surnames, offering insights into recent trends in family name innovation.

Closing Event

The conference concluded with a self-hosted dinner at Zinnkeller Restaurant, allowing participants to socialize and discuss onomastic topics in a relaxed setting.

Conclusion

The 2024 Finnish Conference of Onomastics provided a dynamic platform for exploring the many facets of names, with presentations that bridged historical, cultural, and digital onomastics. With a forward-looking emphasis on both traditional and modern naming trends, the conference underscored the evolving nature of onomastics and laid the groundwork for future research in the field.

Brazilians and Their Names: Theory and History of Anthroponymy in Brazil

 The latest book on Brazilian onomastics, A Revolução Antroponímica no Brasil, uncovers the fascinating history of Brazil’s unique naming practices, shedding light on the socio-cultural shifts that have shaped Brazilian identity through names. The author delves into what is referred to as Brazil’s “anthroponymic revolution,” a period between 1925 and 1950 marked by the emergence of uniquely Brazilian first names. This revolution, peaking in the 1940s and 1950s, reflects a growing departure from traditional Judeo-Christian names, especially within Brazil’s Afro-descendant communities, who began embracing innovative names as a form of cultural expression and, possibly, subtle resistance.

The book argues that these newly created names differentiated Brazilian Portuguese from its European and African variants, infusing the language with distinct cultural markers that underscore Brazil’s evolving identity. The author, Soledade, suggests that these naming practices might have served as an assertion of autonomy for Afro-Brazilian communities, while still appealing to a broader cross-section of Brazilian society.

The study does not only focus on the 20th century but also digs deep into Brazil’s colonial past. By examining the onomastic systems of both Black and White communities during the colonial period, as well as the largely overlooked indigenous naming practices, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the influences that shaped Brazilian naming conventions.

More than just a historical overview, A Revolução Antroponímica no Brasil positions itself as a groundbreaking reference in Brazilian anthroponomastics, contributing a well-researched, detailed understanding of the country’s personal naming history. This work is a call to future researchers to continue exploring Brazil’s rich and diverse onomastic traditions, promising to inspire new studies on how names mirror the Brazilian experience.

With this book, readers can expect an insightful journey into how names reveal Brazil’s cultural and historical tapestry, offering a fresh perspective on the deeply rooted connections between identity, language, and society.

Presenting the New Volume No. 4 of the Nordic Journal of Socio-Onomastics

 The latest volume of the Nordic Journal of Socio-Onomastics (NoSo), published in 2024, offers a rich collection of articles and studies exploring the social dimensions of names and naming practices across the Nordic countries. This journal, backed by the Royal Gustavus Adolphus Academy for Swedish Folk Culture in collaboration with Halmstad University, provides a scholarly platform for examining the cultural, historical, and sociolinguistic aspects of onomastics within Nordic contexts.

In this issue, readers can delve into articles such as Þorsteinn and Sigurðr's examination of Icelandic and Norwegian personal names in Íslendingaþættir tales. This study highlights how naming practices reflect cultural distinctions and social identity within Old Norse literature. Another thought-provoking article, "Squiggles in a Weak Position" by Märit Frändén, investigates the adaptation of diacritical marks in immigrant personal names, shedding light on the integration of non-Nordic names within Scandinavian societies.

Additional research in this volume addresses themes like onomastic dysphoria, identity, and citizenship, exploring how names intersect with personal and national identities. This edition also features insights into the editorial choices in SAOL (Swedish Academy Glossary) regarding foreign place names, offering a critical look at why some cities, like Paris, are standardized, while others, like Prague, are not.

Whether you’re an onomastician, linguist, or someone fascinated by the socio-cultural weight of names, Volume 4 of NoSo promises a blend of historical depth and contemporary relevance. This volume not only enhances our understanding of the power of names but also enriches our appreciation of the diverse social landscapes across Nordic countries.

VI Jornadas Antroponomásticas - 06/11/24 - Tarde

VI Jornadas Antroponomásticas - 05/11/24 - Tarde

VI Jornadas Antroponomásticas - 05/11/24 - Manhã

VI Jornadas Antroponomásticas - 04/11/24 - Tarde

VI Jornadas Antroponomásticas - 04/11/24 - Manhã

VI Jornadas Antroponomásticas - 06/11/24 - Manhã

Introducing the New 46th Issue of Névtani Értesítő

 

The 46th issue of Névtani Értesítő, published in 2024, presents a wealth of insightful studies and discussions in onomastics, the study of names. Edited by the Hungarian Linguistics and Finno-Ugric Institute at Eötvös Loránd University, this issue continues to be a key resource for academics and enthusiasts exploring the linguistic, cultural, and historical dimensions of naming.

In this issue, readers will find diverse articles on literary name usage, with contributions like Tasi Réka's exploration of the cultural and translational aspects of literary naming. The edition covers thematic studies on classical naming strategies, the significance of epithets in translations, and the role of personal and place names in notable Hungarian literature. There are also dedicated sections for emerging research areas, such as regional surname typologies and historical dialectology.

The journal also includes a “Workshop” section, which addresses contemporary challenges and the role of onomastic communication in academia today. Additionally, Névtani Értesítő offers an array of book and journal reviews, providing updates on the latest publications and research in the onomastics field.

Whether you are an academic, a student, or simply interested in the fascinating study of names, this issue of Névtani Értesítő provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking read.