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

 

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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.