Exploring the Role of Public and Scholarly Engagement in Onomastics

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The article "A névtani tudománykommunikáció szerepe és fórumai napjainkban" from Névtani Értesítő (2024, Vol. 46, pp. 151–167, by Kitti Hauber and Dávid Wendl) highlights the importance of name science communication in today's academic and societal contexts. It examines the challenges and opportunities within the discipline of onomastics, emphasizing the dual role of disseminating knowledge among scholars and engaging the broader public.

I am proud to state that I was cited four times throughout the article, specifically in connection to:

1. The classification of name-based content in social media and the definition of onomastic communication channels for different audiences (p. 157).
2. The limited participation of researchers in innovative forms of science communication, emphasizing the role of blogs and digital platforms in promoting onomastics (p. 159).
3. The expectation that researchers on social media platforms eventually gain greater trust for their academic contributions compared to non-scientific content (p. 160).
4. The functional characteristics of the e-Onomastics blog, a resource curated by your obedient servant, which combines scholarly dissemination and public engagement (p. 161).

These references reflect my position in advocating for the modernization of onomastic communication, particularly through digital and participatory platforms.

Key Insights from the Article

1. Onomastics and Public Engagement
   The article underscores the growing public interest in names (both personal and place names), alongside the need to counteract pseudoscientific narratives using academically sound communication.

2. Science Communication Platforms
   Traditional print media, interactive blogs, and social networks are identified as key channels. Noteworthy examples, such as the e-Onomastics blog, are celebrated for bridging academic rigor and public interest.

3. Challenges in Modern Communication
   Addressing the spread of misinformation in the digital age, the article argues for the active presence of onomasticians on platforms like social media to ensure the visibility of reliable scientific content.

This article serves as a compelling reminder of the evolving responsibilities of onomasticians in the 21st century. By exploring innovative communication strategies, such as those pioneered by Shokhenmayer, the field of onomastics continues to enhance its societal relevance and academic impact.