The latest publication from the XXIII International and National Onomastic Conference, Onomastyka kulturowa (Cultural Onomastics), delves into the fascinating interplay of language, culture, and society through the lens of onomastics. Held from October 19–21, 2023, at the University of Opole, this conference brought together researchers to explore both traditional and emerging perspectives on naming practices.
The resulting monograph, edited by Danuta Lech-Kirstein and Anna Tabisz, reflects the interdisciplinary spirit of contemporary onomastic research. It spans a wide array of themes, from the theoretical and methodological aspects of name studies to their practical applications in education, cultural history, and beyond.
What’s Inside?
The book is divided into four main sections:
Interdisciplinary Connections in Onomastics:
- This section highlights the intersections between onomastics and other disciplines, including education, theology, law, and literature. Artur Gałkowski’s article introduces the concept of "onomastic competence," emphasizing the role of proper names in language education. Meanwhile, Ewa Zmuda explores theological tools for onomastic research, and Mariusz Rutkowski addresses the legal dimensions of naming streets in Poland.
Anthroponyms in Multicultural Contexts:
- Researchers examine the sociocultural and historical dynamics of personal names. Łukasz Trzeciak, for instance, investigates the Armenian roots of Polish surnames, while Klaudia Abucewicz explores the religious motivations behind 18th- and 19th-century naming conventions in the multicultural parish of Stare Troki.
Polish and Foreign Chrematonyms:
- This section examines the names of places, businesses, and products. Highlights include Anna Małgorzata Szczęsny’s study on translating religious building names in Polish and Russian contexts and Julia Piotrowska’s analysis of Polish startup names, providing insights into branding strategies.
Onomastic Projects and Syntheses:
- The final section showcases collaborative efforts and innovative approaches in the field. From documenting Lower Sorbian names to revisiting Slavic onomastic terminology, these articles demonstrate how onomastics can enrich cultural heritage studies.
Key Themes and Innovations
The book emphasizes the cultural relevance of names as mirrors of societal changes. It adopts an open, interdisciplinary approach, engaging with new ideologies, methodologies, and technologies. The editors note the inclusion of articles on emerging topics, such as the influence of cancel culture on literary names and the sociolinguistic analysis of drag queen pseudonyms.
A Tribute to Collaborative Research
The editors, in their opening message, express gratitude to the contributors and reviewers for their dedication and scholarly rigor. They hope this monograph will inspire further research in Polish and Slavic onomastics, expanding the field’s theoretical and practical horizons.
Why Read This Book?
Whether you’re a linguist, historian, educator, or simply fascinated by the stories behind names, Cultural Onomastics offers a rich tapestry of insights. It captures the diversity and depth of onomastic studies today, making it an invaluable resource for academics and enthusiasts alike.
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