Call for Papers: NORNA 2026 Symposium

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 📍 51st NORNA Symposium – Reykjavík, Iceland

🗓️ May 19–21, 2026

🏛️ Venue: Edda, Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies, University of Iceland

Theme: Names and Cultural Heritage

The Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies, in collaboration with the Department of Linguistics at the University of Iceland and the Icelandic Name Society (Nafnfræðifélagið), is pleased to invite scholars to the 51st NORNA Symposium, taking place in Reykjavík from May 19 to 21, 2026.

This year’s symposium centers on the theme “Names and Cultural Heritage”, offering a broad and inclusive platform for researchers working on the significance of names - particularly place-names and personal names - within the context of tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

🧭 Context and Rationale

Names are increasingly recognized as important elements of cultural heritage. They are often protected by national legislation and explicitly fall under the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003). Yet, how do we define the heritage value of names in practice? How do we manage the ethical, political, and social dimensions of preserving or changing names in rapidly transforming communities?

Drawing inspiration from Přemysl Mácha’s (2023) exploration of the "artefact" and "community" perspectives in toponymy (Onoma 58), the symposium invites critical reflections on how we document, protect, and reimagine the cultural value of names today.

🧾 Topics May Include (but are not limited to):

• The impact of national heritage policies on naming practices and individual rights

• The role of names in dialect and minority language preservation

• Name-based environmental knowledge and cultural continuity

• Prioritization in name collection, preservation, and digital documentation

• Case studies on specific names, name-types, or renaming controversies

• The future of name studies in education and society

We particularly welcome papers that engage with historical, sociolinguistic, legal, or anthropological perspectives on name usage, transformation, and preservation.

🧑‍🏫 Format and Submission

Papers can be presented in Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, or English. In addition to individual presentations, scholars are welcome to propose thematic workshops.

🗓️ Deadline for submission of abstracts and workshop proposals:
October 15, 2025
(A submission portal will be opened in due course.)

Important dates

15th of October 2025: Deadline for submission of abstracts and application for organising  workshops.

December 2025: Notification of acceptance and preliminary program.

February 2026: Deadline for registration and payment of conference fee.

April 2026: Final program announced

🧳 Practical Information

• Dates: Tuesday, May 19 – Thursday, May 21, 2026

• Venue: Edda, Arngrímsgata 5, 107 Reykjavík, Iceland

• Conference Fee: Approx. 20,000 ISK (incl. lunch, refreshments, NORNA membership fee)

• Optional Excursion: Half-day trip to Reykjanes Peninsula (est. 5,000 ISK)

• Conference Dinner: Reykjavík city centre, Wednesday evening (est. 13,000 ISK)

🌐 Organisers

This NORNA Symposium is organized on behalf of the Nordic Cooperative Committee for Onomastic Research (NORNA), promoting name research and scholarly cooperation across the Nordic region.

📧 For further details and updates, visit:
🔗 https://arnastofnun.is/is/norna-2026

📨 We look forward to receiving your proposals and to welcoming you to Reykjavík in May 2026!

Book presentation of "Boesman-invloed op Afrikaanse plekname" (Bushman Influence on Afrikaans Place Names)

 We are excited to announce the upcoming book launch of "Boesman-invloed op Afrikaanse plekname" (Bushman Influence on Afrikaans Place Names) by the esteemed Professor Peter Raper. Hosted by UJ Press, this event promises to delve into the profound impact of indigenous Khoisan languages on Afrikaans toponymy.

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Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025​

• Time: 16:00​

• Venue: Nadine Gordimer Auditorium, Level 5, University of Johannesburg Library, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus​

Professor Raper, a leading authority in South African onomastics, will present insights from his latest work, exploring how Khoisan (Boesman) languages have shaped Afrikaans place names. This scholarly contribution sheds light on the linguistic and cultural intersections that define South Africa's rich heritage.​

For those unable to attend in person, a virtual attendance option is available. Please register in advance via the following Zoom link:​

For inquiries, contact Wikus van Zyl at wikusvz@uj.ac.za.​

Don't miss this opportunity to engage with fellow scholars, linguists, and enthusiasts passionate about the evolution of Afrikaans and its deep-rooted connections to indigenous languages.​

​Note: The event will be conducted in Afrikaans.

Contribute to Acta Linguistica Lithuanica

Editor-in-Chief Grasilda Blažienė with the Journal

Are you working, inter alia, on names, naming practices, or the cultural and linguistic layers hidden in personal, place, or institutional names? Acta Linguistica Lithuanica - a respected international journal in the field of linguistics - welcomes your contribution to its forthcoming issues.

This esteemed journal, renowned for its contributions to the study of Baltic languages and Indo-European linguistics, invites researchers, scholars, and practitioners in onomastics to submit original research articles, polemical essays, and critical reviews.

Why Submit?

• Acta Linguistica Lithuanica is indexed in Scopus, ERIH PLUS, DOAJ, MLA, and other major international databases, ensuring your work reaches a global academic audience.

• It offers double-blind peer review, academic rigor, and free open access publication.

• The journal is an ideal venue to publish your onomastic studies in relation to historical linguistics, morphology, semantics, sociolinguistics, dialectology, or cognitive linguistics.

Topics of Interest in Onomastics May Include:

• Personal and family names (anthroponymy) in historical and modern contexts

• Toponymy and the linguistic landscape

• Etymology and semantic evolution of proper names

• Cultural, social, and political implications of naming practices

• Cross-linguistic and intercultural comparisons of naming systems

• Digital tools and methodologies in name studies

Submission Formats:

• Original Research Articles

• Polemical Papers addressing theoretical and methodological debates

• Scientific Reviews of recent works in onomastics and linguistics

Two issues are published annually, and all contributions undergo rigorous peer review.

📅 Deadline: Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis for upcoming issues.

🔗 Submit your paper via the online system:
https://journals.lki.lt/actalinguisticalithuanica/pradzia

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Join a vibrant community of linguists and name scholars and contribute to one of the most respected platforms in Baltic and Indo-European linguistics. Let your research in onomastics shape the understanding of names and naming in today's linguistic landscape.

Онлайн-лекция «Ономастика – наука давать имена»

 

Наша онлайн-лекция будет посвящена такому многогранному разделу лингвистики как ономастика – искусство давать имена. Но антропонимика – то есть, имена людей – далеко не единственный раздел ономастики. Имена животных и богов, названия улиц и магазинов, наименования народов, городов, рек и космических объектов – всё это тоже ономастика. Ономастические исследования помогают выявлять пути миграций и места былого расселения различных народов, языковые и культурные контакты, более древнее состояние языков и соотношение их диалектов. Обо всём этом – и о многом, многом другом – мы познакомим зрителей на нашей лекции.

Call for Papers: XXVIII International Symposium on Onomastics & Literature

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We are delighted to announce the upcoming XXVIII International Symposium on Onomastics & Literature, set to take place from September 24–26, 2025 in Potenza, hosted by the University of Basilicata. Sessions will be held in the Aula Magna of the Francioso Campus and the National Archaeological Museum of Basilicata Dinu Adamesteanu. A cultural visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matera is also planned for September 27.

🎯 Conference Themes

This year’s symposium invites proposals on the following core topics:

1. The Names of ‘Villains’ How literary antagonists become iconic through their names — from Iago to Tartuffe, from Maganzese to Shylock — and how these names transform into cultural symbols or deonyms.

2. Names in Autobiographical Writings The onomastic identity of the author-narrator-protagonist, hidden names, pseudonyms, or symbolic place names in autobiographical literature.

3. Anthropological Foundations of Names Taboos, apotropaic functions, magical meanings — from Chrétien de Troyes to the Eumenides, from Manzoni's Innominato to the unnameable in religious and literary traditions.

4. Autonymy in Literature When literary characters rename themselves — Don Quixote, Jekyll/Hyde, Mattia Pascal — or authors adopt heteronyms or playful autonyms (Pessoa, guidogozzano).

5. Lucanian Onomastics Exploring names in the works of Rocco Scotellaro, Mario Trufelli, Gaetano Cappelli, and others. Celebrating local identity, dialect, and symbolism on the 50th anniversary of Carlo Levi’s death.

✉️ Submission Guidelines

Please send your abstract (about one page, not generic but content-specific) along with a brief CV by June 30, 2025, to:

📧 Donatella Bremer — donatella.bremer@unipi.it

📝 Publication Opportunity

Papers may be submitted for peer review in the academic journal “il Nome nel testo”. The final submission should not exceed 36,000 characters (spaces included).

For inquiries, contact:

• 📧 Giorgio Sale — giosale@uniss.it

• 🔗 Official Website

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This unique symposium offers a platform for literary scholars, linguists, philologists, and onomasticians to explore the power of names in literature — in identity, narrative, and cultural imagination. Whether you're tracing the legacy of a villain's name or unearthing forgotten Lucanian roots, join us in Potenza this September!

From Pavement to Politics: Rethinking Urban Naming in Enschede

 On March 14, 2025, the city of Enschede, Netherlands, hosted the "Symposium Naamgeving Openbare Ruimte," a thought-provoking event that delved into the significance of street naming in shaping urban identity and public memory. Organized by the municipality of Enschede, the symposium brought together experts, municipal workers, and residents to explore how the names assigned to public spaces reflect cultural values, historical narratives, and societal changes.
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Keynote Address: The Power of Street Names

The symposium commenced with an inspiring keynote by Lonneke Groen, former member of the Amsterdam Street Name Committee. Groen emphasized that street names serve as concise stories, capable of inspiring and deepening residents' connections to their surroundings. She advocated for thoughtful selection processes that honor local history and cultural significance, citing examples like Enschede's textile-related street names and Kerkrade's homage to its coal mining heritage.​

Challenges and Community Engagement

A significant portion of the discussion addressed the challenges in street naming, particularly the avoidance of repetitive or generic names. Groen highlighted the importance of innovative thinking and community involvement in the naming process. Engaging residents not only fosters a sense of ownership but also ensures that the names resonate with the community's identity and values. The municipality of Franekeradeel's initiative to solicit public input for unique street names was presented as a successful model.​

Reflecting Societal Changes

The symposium also tackled the evolving nature of societal values and how they influence the perception of existing street names. Discussions centered on reassessing names associated with colonial figures or controversial historical events, emphasizing the need for names that align with contemporary values and promote inclusivity.​

Workshop Sessions: Deepening the Dialogue

Participants engaged in various workshops that delved deeper into specific aspects of street naming:​

• The Path to Overcoming Plant Blindness: Led by botanist Marco Roos, this session explored integrating urban biodiversity into street naming, advocating for names that reflect local flora and promote environmental awareness.​

• Inclusive Naming: Angélique Duijndam discussed addressing colonial history through street names, emphasizing the emotional and historical significance of such names and the importance of public understanding.​

• Women’s Names in Public Spaces: Onessa Kovak highlighted the underrepresentation of women in street naming and provided strategies for incorporating notable women from various fields into the urban landscape.​

• Citizen Participation in 2025: Willemijn Zwart facilitated discussions on effective methods for involving citizens in the street naming process, emphasizing transparency and efficiency.​

Embracing Linguistic Diversity

Adrie Hemmink from Museumfabriek in Enschede shared insights on incorporating regional languages and dialects into street naming. Utilizing local dialects not only preserves linguistic heritage but also strengthens community identity and ties residents to their cultural roots.​

Looking Ahead: Balancing Tradition and Innovation

The symposium concluded with reflections on the future of street naming. Speakers advocated for a balance between honoring historical significance and embracing contemporary values. Innovative and creative naming conventions were encouraged to make public spaces more engaging and reflective of the community's evolving identity.​

The "Naming the Streets, Shaping the City" symposium underscored the profound impact of street names beyond mere navigation aids. They are narratives woven into the urban fabric, telling stories of the past, reflecting present values, and shaping the identity of cities for future generations.​

Echoes of Greece in Dalmatia: A New Lexicon of Ancient Names

 ​The Archaeological Museum in Zagreb has recently published a significant scholarly monograph titled "Greek Personal Names in Dalmatia: A Lexicon." This comprehensive work delves into the rich tapestry of Greek personal names found in the Dalmatian region, offering insights into the historical and cultural exchanges that have shaped the area.

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Exploring the Lexicon

This lexicon serves as a valuable resource for scholars, historians, and enthusiasts interested in the onomastic studies of the ancient Greek world. By cataloging and analyzing Greek personal names in Dalmatia, the publication sheds light on the extent of Hellenic influence and the interactions between Greek settlers and indigenous populations.​

Context within the LGPN Project

The monograph aligns with the broader objectives of the Lexicon of Greek Personal Names (LGPN) project, which aims to document every bearer of every Greek name from the ancient world. The LGPN has been instrumental in tracing Greek nomenclature across various regions, drawing from diverse sources such as tombstones, dedications, and civic decrees. 

Significance of the Publication

The inclusion of Dalmatia in this lexicon highlights the region's role as a crossroads of cultures and its integration into the Hellenic world. By examining personal names, researchers can infer patterns of migration, cultural assimilation, and the spread of Greek language and customs.​

Availability

"Greek Personal Names in Dalmatia: A Lexicon" is now available through the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb. This publication is poised to become an indispensable reference for those studying ancient Greek onomastics, Balkan history, and the intricate web of cultural interactions in antiquity.​

For more information or to acquire a copy, interested readers are encouraged to contact the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb directly.

❄️ Explore the Arctic Through the Lens of Place Names: GeoNight 2025 in Kirkenes

 On April 4th, 2025, the far northern town of Kirkenes, Norway, becomes a hub for critical geographic reflection as it hosts a compelling Arctic Night of Geography under the global umbrella of GeoNight 2025. Themed “Toponymic Geopolitics in Border Areas and Polar Regions,” this event promises a deep dive into the power of place names at the very edges of nations.

📍 Location: Wiulls gate 3, Kirkenes, Norway
🕒 Time: 15:00 local time
🌍 Language: English
🎓 Organizer: Dr. Ekaterina Mikhailova, Associate Professor in Border Studies, Barents Institute, University of Tromsø
🔎 Type: In-person academic session

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🧭 What to Expect

This GeoNight event will explore how place names are far more than just labels on a map — they are tools of power, memory, and identity. With a foundation in Critical Toponymy (the study of place names through social and political lenses), the discussion will highlight recent research into toponymic geopolitics, particularly in borderlands and polar territories where names often serve as markers of contestation and cooperation alike.

💬 After a thought-provoking presentation, the event will conclude with a fun and interactive quiz to test your geographical and political naming knowledge.

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🧠 Why You Should Attend

• Discover how naming places can shape political narratives and territorial claims

• Learn about real-world case studies from the Arctic and other sensitive geopolitical zones

• Connect with others interested in geography, border studies, and naming practices

• Be part of a truly global celebration of geography through GeoNight

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This event is part of GeoNight 2025, an annual international initiative organized by EUGEO and the IGU (International Geographical Union) to bring geographic knowledge closer to the public.

Whether you're a student, researcher, or simply curious about how the world is named and claimed — Kirkenes is the place to be on April 4th.

👉 Stay tuned for more program details and a possible livestream link.
🔗 Visit www.geonight.net for other events around the world!

Join the Next Onomastics Online Lecture: Studying Toponym Changes with Gazetteers.net

 📅 10 April 2025, 18:00 (GMT+2)

📍 Microsoft Teams | 🆓 Free Registration

The International Council of Onomastic Sciences (ICOS) continues its Onomastics Online lecture series with a must-attend event for anyone fascinated by the dynamics of place names and digital humanities.

This session, titled “Studying Toponym Changes. Using Gazetteers.net to Compare Differences in Digital Repositories,” brings together three leading scholars in the field:

• Dariusz Gierczak (Herder Institute, Germany)
• Francis Harvey (Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography, Germany)
• Eric Losang (Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography, Germany)
• Moderated by Peter Jordan (Austrian Academy of Sciences)

🔍 What to expect?
The lecture explores the web application gazetteers.net, a tool designed to help researchers analyze historical and contemporary place name changes. The app connects data from 10 major digital gazetteers focused on Poland, enabling simultaneous searches, comparisons, and CSV export of linked names across sources.

This tool is particularly valuable for scholars dealing with historical name variation, regional standardization, or spatial uncertainty in toponymic data. As digital infrastructures evolve, this lecture provides practical insights into managing and analyzing complex geographical naming systems.

🗂️ Keywords: Toponyms, Gazetteers, Onomastics, Digital Repositories, Geographical Entities

📝 Register here:
👉 Microsoft Teams Registration Link
📩 A reminder and event link will be sent to your email.

📺 Watch past lectures and subscribe to the ICOS channel:
🔗 YouTube: The International Council of Onomastic Sciences

🌐 More info:
🔗 Onomastics Online Website
🔗 Join ICOS

Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of digital toponymic tools and the evolving landscape of onomastic research!

1st Interonoma – A Groundbreaking International Conference on Onomastics

 The 1st Interonoma - International Conference of Onomastics, focusing on the social impact of naming processes, is set to take place from November 3–7, 2025, at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. This highly anticipated event aims to bring together researchers, scholars, and experts in onomastics, linguistics, and related disciplines to explore the multifaceted role of names in society.

A Broad and Inclusive Academic Program

The conference program will feature both in-person and online symposia, covering a diverse range of topics in onomastics. The in-person symposia will explore:

• Lexical onomastics and current research trends
• The social and political impact of name registration norms
• Indigenous names and their cultural significance
• Cognitive perspectives in onomastic studies
• Onomastics in interdisciplinary education
• Toponymy and documentation practices

The online symposia will expand the discussion by addressing:

• Historical and cultural aspects of Brazilian anthroponymy
• Mexican anthroponymy in different periods and landscapes
• Onomastic studies in sign languages
• Names and social inequality
• Literary onomastics and its impact
• Theoretical and practical aspects of toponymy

This impressive array of 19 thematic symposia reflects the growing recognition of names as essential markers of identity, heritage, and sociopolitical reality.

Call for Papers: Submit Your Research

The deadline for abstract submission is March 31, 2025. Scholars are invited to submit research abstracts (200–300 words) via the Even3 platform. Submissions must present complete or ongoing studies and be aligned with the thematic areas outlined in the conference program.

Each presentation will last 20 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of discussion, allowing for in-depth academic exchanges. Researchers can submit up to two papers, with each session accommodating 4 to 12 presentations.

A Historic Venue in Belo Horizonte

UFMG, one of Brazil’s top public universities, will host the event on its Pampulha campus, an area known for its rich cultural and historical landmarks. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Belo Horizonte, known for its architectural gems, diverse cuisine, and lively academic environment. Nearby attractions include:

• Ouro Preto and Congonhas (UNESCO heritage sites)
• The Inhotim Institute, the world’s largest open-air contemporary art museum

Join the Conversation on Onomastics

Interonoma 2025 promises to be a defining moment in onomastic studies, fostering new insights into how names shape our world. Whether you specialize in linguistics, anthropology, sociology, literature, or digital humanities, this conference offers a unique platform to engage with leading scholars in the field.

Stay updated via the official Interonoma website:
🔗 https://www.even3.com.br/interonoma/

📩 Contact: inter.onomastica@gmail.com
📷 Instagram: @interonoma

Don't miss this landmark event in onomastic research!

В Казахстане наведут порядок в сфере ономастики

Interactive Workshops on Iona's Place-Names

 Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025

Delving Deeper into Iona's Toponymy

Following the successful launch of the online resource, the Iona’s Namescape team hosted interactive workshops on April 3, 2025, at the Iona Village Hall. These sessions aimed to engage participants in a hands-on exploration of the island's place-names, uncovering the layers of history and culture embedded within them.​

Workshop Highlights:

• Interactive Learning: Participants engaged in activities that delved into personal names, stories, and songs associated with Iona's place-names, fostering a deeper appreciation of the island's cultural heritage.​

• Guess the Meaning: Attendees tested their knowledge and intuition by guessing the meanings of various place-names, sparking lively discussions and shared discoveries.​

Session Details:

• Morning Session: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM​

• Evening Session: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM​

Community Reflections:

The workshops provided a platform for both locals and visitors to connect over shared histories and narratives. Many participants expressed a renewed sense of pride and curiosity about the island's toponymic heritage, emphasizing the importance of preserving these stories for future generations.​

These events underscore the vital role of community engagement in preserving and celebrating the rich tapestry of Iona's place-names, ensuring that the island's legacy continues to inspire and educate.

Launch of 'The Place-Names of Iona' Online Resource

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📅 Monday, 31 March 2025
📍 Iona Village Hall | 🆓 Free Entry | ⏰ 7:00 PM

The island of Iona is set to host a remarkable event celebrating its centuries-old naming traditions. On March 31, 2025, the Iona Village Hall will welcome locals, scholars, and visitors for the official launch of the new digital resource, “The Place-Names of Iona.”

Organised by the Iona’s Namescape team from the University of Glasgow, this public event promises an engaging evening dedicated to the linguistic, historical, and cultural legacy embedded in Iona’s toponyms.

✨ What to Expect:

🔹 Presentations by the Research Team
Attendees will hear from the scholars behind the Namescape project, who will explain how Iona’s place-names offer a fascinating window into the island’s past—from early Christian roots to modern Gaelic naming traditions.

🔹 Live Demonstration of the Online Platform
The project team will unveil the user-friendly digital resource, showcasing how users can explore the meanings, origins, and evolution of Iona’s place-names through an interactive map and detailed entries.

🔹 Community Connection and Educational Use
This event is not only academic in nature—it is designed to foster pride and engagement within the Iona community. The platform is expected to serve schools, heritage groups, and curious individuals eager to explore the island’s toponymy in a dynamic, accessible way.

Whether you're a historian, a linguist, or a local with deep ties to Iona, this is a unique opportunity to connect with the island’s heritage in a whole new way. And if you can’t make it in person, the platform will be freely available online, so anyone can embark on a virtual journey through Iona’s storied landscape.

🔗 Learn more: https://iona-placenames.glasgow.ac.uk

XVII Jornada d’Onomàstica de l’AVL (report + video + photos)

 The XVII Jornada d'Onomàstica, organized by the Acadèmia Valenciana de la Llengua (AVL), took place on March 14 and 15, 2025, focusing on the theme "Onomàstica i repoblació. Toponímia i antroponímia de la Marina". This event delved into the impact of historical repopulation processes on place names (toponymy) and personal names (anthroponymy) in the Marina region of Valencia.
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Day 1: La Nucia

Hosted at the Seu Universitària de La Nucia, the first day commenced with an opening address by AVL President Verónica Cantó. The inaugural lecture by Vicent Terol examined the Balearic influence on the repopulation of the Kingdom of Valencia, highlighting the significant role of settlers from the Balearic Islands in shaping the region's demographic and cultural landscape. 

Subsequent presentations included:

• Robert Pocklington discussed the reliability of Arab etymologies by Escolano and their relevance to the toponymy of La Marina.

• Josep Andrés explored 17th-century toponymy of Pedreguer, focusing on the correlation between migration patterns and place names.
  

• Joan Ivars analyzed the onomastics of the Barony of Parcent, encompassing Parcent, Benigembla, and Vernissa as of 1612.

• Maite Mollà, AVL's Onomastics Technician, presented recent developments in the field of onomastics.

• Ramón Ferrer and Emili Casanova discussed the influence of post-Morisco expulsion migrations on Valencian anthroponymy.

• Maribel Guardiola highlighted the importance of toponymy in the legends of the Marina regions.
  

• Xavier Llorca addressed the traditional toponymy of the Marina and new population processes.

Day 2: Tàrbena

The second day unfolded at the Casa de Cultura de Tàrbena, featuring:​

• Josep Martines presented a novel approach to the toponymy of the Serra Gelada, offering fresh insights into the region's place names.

• Josep Mas provided a perspective on the influence of 17th-century Balearic repopulation on Valencian anthroponymy, particularly between the Benicadell and Xúquer regions.

• Joan Lluís Monjo discussed the toponymy of the Marina, the Safor, and the Vall d'Albaida, shedding light on the linguistic heritage of these areas.

The event concluded with a gastronomic session, emphasizing the culinary legacy of Mallorcan settlers in the Marina Baixa region. This segment underscored the enduring influence of historical migrations on local cuisine, reflecting the deep-seated cultural exchanges between the Balearic Islands and mainland Valencia.

The XVII Jornada d'Onomàstica not only highlighted the intricate relationship between migration and onomastics but also celebrated the rich tapestry of cultural and linguistic influences that have shaped the Marina region over the centuries.

 

➡️L’empremta de la repoblació mallorquina en la Marina, protagonista de la XVII Jornada d’Onomàstica de l’AVL

📍La Nucia i Tàrbena acolliran els dies 14 i 15 la trobada

🔗 https://t.co/twIm0JVirl pic.twitter.com/13QlumuvBT

— AVL (@AVLoficial) March 10, 2025

Dos socis nostres, Emili Casanova i Vicent Terol, intervindran en la XIV Jornada d'Onomàstica de l'@AVLoficial, que es farà divendres i dissabte a la Nucia i Tàrbena. pic.twitter.com/yURrnNAoxD

— IEVA (@IEVallAlbaida) March 11, 2025

Les ponències dels experts presentaran l’estat de la qüestió i mostraran l’extensió dels territoris on s’establiren els repobladors mallorquins, que no es limita a la Marina Alta i les comarques adjacents, sinó que va cobrir una extensió molt major. pic.twitter.com/UPn4YFnYgB

— AVL (@AVLoficial) March 14, 2025

Ja estem en la Seu Universitària de la Nucia per a celebrar la XVII Jornada d'Onomàstica, que enguany posa el focus sobre l’empremta de la repoblació mallorquina en la Marina. pic.twitter.com/BSWTgj52rV

— AVL (@AVLoficial) March 14, 2025

Ramon Ferrer presenta la ponència «La inadvertida aportació balear a la repoblació del Regne de València: de Jaume I a l’expulsió dels moriscos. Una clarificadora perspectiva onomàstica», a càrrec de Vicent Terol. pic.twitter.com/tArvymSioE

— AVL (@AVLoficial) March 14, 2025

La tècnica d’Onomàstica de l’AVL, Maite Mollà, presenta els treballs i les novetats de l’AVL en l’àmbit onomàstic. pic.twitter.com/YYrpT97mis

— AVL (@AVLoficial) March 14, 2025

«Sobre la fiabilidad de las etimologías árabes de Escolano y su interés para la toponimia de La Marina», és el títol de la ponència de Robert Pocklington. Presenta l’acadèmica Sandra Montserrat. @Influenz1x pic.twitter.com/9ej9JkhiEt

— AVL (@AVLoficial) March 14, 2025

Ramon Ferrer i Emili Casanova disserten sobre la influència en l’antroponímia valenciana dels moviments migratoris posteriors a l’expulsió dels moriscos. pic.twitter.com/ZRDCskturE

— AVL (@AVLoficial) March 14, 2025

És el torn de Josep Andrés, amb la ponència «Onomàstica i repoblació: la toponímia de Pedreguer en el segle XVII». @LaNuciaES pic.twitter.com/lQsqAhfvaO

— AVL (@AVLoficial) March 14, 2025

Intervé Joan Ivars amb la xarrada «Onomàstica de la baronia de Parcent (Parcent, Benigembla i Vernissa) al 1612». @LaNuciaES pic.twitter.com/5lqzVgcr60

— AVL (@AVLoficial) March 14, 2025

La jornada de hui conclou amb les intervencions de Maribel Guardiola, que destaca la importància de la toponímia en les llegendes de les Marines, i de Xavier Llorca, amb una ponència al voltant de la tradició toponímica de la Marina i els nous processos poblacionals. pic.twitter.com/2ckGPYpq7g

— AVL (@AVLoficial) March 14, 2025

La Casa de Cultura de Tàrbena acull les sessions del segon dia de la XVII Jornada d’Onomàstica. Comencem amb la ponència de l’acadèmic Josep Martines: «La toponímia de la serra Gelada. Acostament nou», presentada per Joan Lluís Monjo. pic.twitter.com/2s224bZRgl

— AVL (@AVLoficial) March 15, 2025

Josep Mas ens oferix una perspectiva de la influència de la repoblació balear del segle XVII en l’antroponímia valenciana, en concret, entre el Benicadell i el Xúquer. pic.twitter.com/epWVUzymhP

— AVL (@AVLoficial) March 15, 2025

«La toponímia de la Marina, la Safor i el Comtat i la repoblació mallorquina» és el títol de la ponència que presenta Joan Giner. pic.twitter.com/xqrHEUpo0S

— AVL (@AVLoficial) March 15, 2025

Antoni Mas raona sobre el perquè de la migració mallorquina cap al Regne de València després de l’expulsió dels moriscos. pic.twitter.com/WwiQAmBPk4

— AVL (@AVLoficial) March 15, 2025

Joan Lluís Monjo tanca les ponències amb una exposició sobre l’estat de la qüestió, els problemes i les perspectives de l’antroponímia mallorquina en la Marina i zones adjacents. pic.twitter.com/iSBxsoLFns

— AVL (@AVLoficial) March 15, 2025

A ses Vinyes (#Tàrbena ). La #toponímia i la parla de Tàrbena mantenen l'article salat, que s'explica per la repoblació mallorquina del segle XVII. XVII Jornada d'#Onomàstica d'⁦@AVLoficial⁩ ⁦@LaNuciaES⁩ ⁦@SeuLaNuciaUA⁩ ⁦@immacersan⁩ ⁦@joan_gm2⁩ pic.twitter.com/NaoQsxsNOP

— Maite Mollà Villaplana (@MollaMaite) March 16, 2025

La cloenda de la jornada va a càrrec de la secretària de l’Acadèmia, Immaculada Cerdà. @immacersan pic.twitter.com/EwDArZ61kA

— AVL (@AVLoficial) March 15, 2025

Kazakhstan to Overhaul Onomastics: President Tokayev Introduces New Regulations

At the IV National Kurultai in Borovoe, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced a major initiative to regulate onomastics in Kazakhstan. According to Orda.kz, Tokayev emphasized that local authorities had previously made serious errors in naming streets and settlements, including cases where names were assigned based on regional affiliations or family ties rather than historical or cultural significance. To address this, the government has centralized the onomastic process, establishing a unified and clear framework for naming and renaming places. The initiative has already been approved by parliament, ensuring that future decisions will be made systematically and fairly.

Фото: пресс-служба Акорды

Ensuring Historical Justice in Naming

Tokayev reaffirmed that commemorating outstanding historical figures is an essential part of national identity. However, he cautioned against using onomastics as a tool for glorifying controversial individuals, particularly those whose "historical contributions" are not supported by archival evidence. The misrepresentation of Soviet figures - including those involved in orchestrating the Asharshylyq famine - was singled out as a problematic trend. Tokayev expressed concern that certain individuals in independent Kazakhstan continue to mythologize these figures, calling it a regrettable phenomenon that needs to be addressed.

Reevaluating Urban and Rural Toponyms

The President proposed a pause in renaming cities and streets, advocating for a more selective and historically justified approach. He noted that Kazakhstan has underutilized its wealth of traditional geographic names, which better reflect the country’s linguistic and cultural heritage. While some village names may require updates due to their historical obsolescence, Tokayev stressed that renaming should not become a politicized or impulsive process. Instead, public engagement and thorough historical review must guide such decisions.

Additionally, priority will now be given to naming thousands of currently unnamed streets, which have complicated emergency services such as firefighters, police, and medical responders. Duplicate toponyms will also be eliminated to improve administrative efficiency.

Regulating Private Sector Naming Practices

Tokayev also criticized the unregulated naming of private establishments, highlighting cases where businesses display socially inappropriate or culturally insensitive names. While creativity in branding is encouraged, he insisted that public decency and national identity must be respected. As part of the new regulations, private establishments will now require approval from an onomastic commission before being named after a historical figure.

A Systematic Approach to Onomastics

Tokayev’s announcement marks a major shift in Kazakhstan’s approach to place-naming policies, ensuring that historical justice, cultural heritage, and administrative efficiency remain at the core of onomastic decisions. The centralization of onomastic policies will help prevent regional favoritism, ideological distortions, and haphazard renaming efforts.

As Kazakhstan moves forward with national modernization, its toponymic landscape will now reflect a more historically accurate, transparent, and structured approach - one that preserves national identity while avoiding unnecessary political influence.

25 Jahre Arbeitskreis für bayerisch-österreichische Namenforschung: Jubiläumstagung 2026 in Linz

KI-generiertes Bild

 Am 23. April 2026 feiert der Arbeitskreis für bayerisch-österreichische Namenforschung (ABÖN) sein 25-jähriges Bestehen mit der 14. Tagung im Adalbert-Stifter-Institut des Landes
Oberösterreich in Linz.

Gründung und Entwicklung des ABÖN

Gegründet am 30. September 2000 in Wien auf Initiative von Prof. Dr. Albrecht Greule (Universität Regensburg) und Dr. Isolde Hausner (Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften), zielte der Arbeitskreis darauf ab, den Informationsaustausch zwischen Forschenden der bairischen Namenkunde zu fördern. Ursprünglich als Arbeitskreis für Bairische Namenforschung (ABN) bezeichnet, erfolgte 2002 eine Umbenennung in ABÖN, um die Forschung über den bairischen Dialektraum hinaus auf das gesamte bayerisch-österreichische Gebiet auszuweiten.

Tagungsthema 2026: Namen in Bayern und Österreich und bei ihren Nachbarn

Das Jubiläumstreffen 2026 steht unter dem Thema "Namen in Bayern und Österreich und bei ihren Nachbarn". Dieses bewusst offen gehaltene Thema soll nicht nur die Namen im bairischen "Kernland" ins Zentrum rücken, sondern auch die namenkundliche Forschung in den benachbarten Regionen einbeziehen. Die Gastgeber Mag.a Dr.in Petra-Maria Dallinger, Direktorin des StifterHauses, und Mag. Stefan Gaisbauer, Vertreter der Sprachforschung am Adalbert-Stifter-Institut, laden herzlich zu diesem wissenschaftlichen Austausch ein.

Rückblick auf frühere Tagungen

Seit seiner Gründung hat der ABÖN im zweijährigen Rhythmus Tagungen veranstaltet, die ein breites Spektrum namenkundlicher Themen abdeckten. Beispiele hierfür sind:​

• Gewässernamen in Bayern und Österreich (Regensburg 2004)
• Namenarten in Österreich und Bayern (Wien 2006)
• Namenforschung im Archiv (München 2008)
• Methoden der Namenforschung (Graz 2010)
• Namen in Grenzräumen (Passau 2012)
• Berg- und Flurnamen in Bayern und Österreich (Innsbruck 2014)
• Namen in Dichtung und literarischer Prosa (Augsburg 2016)
• Namenforschung im Spannungsfeld zwischen Wissenschaft und Öffentlichkeit (Linz 2018)
• Namen im Sprachgebrauch (Innsbruck 2022)
• Personennamen in Ortsnamen (Erlangen 2024)

Die für 2020 in Passau geplante Tagung musste aufgrund der Corona-Pandemie abgesagt werden; dennoch wurde ein Tagungsband mit dem Titel "Namenphilologie im 19. und 20. Jahrhundert" veröffentlicht.

Bedeutung des ABÖN

Der ABÖN hat sich als zentrale Plattform für den Austausch und die Vernetzung von Forschenden im Bereich der Namenkunde etabliert. Durch die regelmäßigen Tagungen und Publikationen trägt der Arbeitskreis maßgeblich zur Weiterentwicklung der Namenforschung in Bayern, Österreich und den angrenzenden Regionen bei.​

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25 Years of the Working Group for Bavarian-Austrian Name Research: Anniversary Conference 2026 in Linz

On April 23, 2026, the Working Group for Bavarian-Austrian Name Research (ABÖN) will celebrate its 25th anniversary with the 14th conference at the Adalbert Stifter Institute of Upper Austria in Linz.

Foundation and Development of ABÖN

Established on September 30, 2000, in Vienna by Prof. Dr. Albrecht Greule (University of Regensburg) and Dr. Isolde Hausner (Austrian Academy of Sciences), the working group aimed to promote information exchange among researchers in Bavarian onomastics. Originally named the Working Group for Bavarian Name Research (ABN), it was renamed ABÖN in 2002 to expand research beyond the Bavarian dialect area to the entire Bavarian-Austrian region.

Conference Theme 2026: Names in Bavaria and Austria and Their Neighbors

The 2026 anniversary meeting will focus on the theme "Names in Bavaria and Austria and Their Neighbors". This deliberately open topic aims to center not only on names in the Bavarian "heartland" but also to include onomastic research in neighboring regions. Hosts Mag.a Dr.in Petra-Maria Dallinger, director of the StifterHaus, and Mag. Stefan Gaisbauer, representative of linguistic research at the Adalbert Stifter Institute, warmly invite participants to this scholarly exchange.

Overview of Previous Conferences

Since its inception, ABÖN has held biennial conferences covering a wide range of onomastic topics, including:​

• Hydronyms in Bavaria and Austria (Regensburg 2004)
• Types of Names in Austria and Bavaria (Vienna 2006)
• Name Research in Archives (Munich 2008)
• Methods of Name Research (Graz 2010)
• Names in Border Areas (Passau 2012)
• Mountain and Field Names in Bavaria and Austria (Innsbruck 2014)
• Names in Poetry and Literary Prose (Augsburg 2016)
• Name Research between Science and the Public (Linz 2018)
• Names in Language Use (Innsbruck 2022)
• Personal Names in Place Names (Erlangen 2024)

The conference planned for 2020 in Passau was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, a conference