Celebrating One Year of Partnership: ISPN and ICOS Working Group on Toponymy

 As we mark one year of collaboration between the International Symposium on Place Names (ISPN) and the ICOS Working Group on Toponymy, it’s time to reflect on the achievements and contributions this partnership has made to the field of toponymic research, particularly in Southern Africa.

A Year of Academic Growth and Collaboration

In 2024, the ICOS Working Group on Toponymy joined the ISPN Organising Committee to support scholarly interest in toponomastics in Southern Africa. Over the past year, this collaboration has successfully:
✔ Organized toponymic sessions at key international conferences, bringing experts together to discuss cutting-edge research.
✔ Hosted symposia in partnership with local institutions, such as ISPN, fostering dialogue between researchers, educators, and policymakers.
✔ Encouraged and developed research in toponymy, supporting the publication of studies that highlight the role of place names in culture, history, and identity.
✔ Strengthened global cooperation, connecting scholars from different continents to share insights and methodologies.

The Significance of This Partnership

The partnership between ISPN and the ICOS Working Group on Toponymy has played a vital role in advancing place name studies within Africa and beyond. With Southern Africa as a focal point, this collaboration has shed light on the historical, linguistic, and cultural significance of place names in shaping identity and preserving heritage.

By integrating local research with international expertise, the initiative has helped to:

• Elevate the study of toponymy within linguistic and historical disciplines.
• Promote awareness of name standardization and preservation efforts.
• Encourage young researchers to explore the interdisciplinary potential of onomastics.

Looking Ahead

As this partnership enters its second year, there is immense potential for further academic exchanges, workshops, and new research publications. The continued support from ICOS and ISPN ensures that the study of place names remains relevant in discussions on geography, identity, and historical memory.

For those interested in joining this global effort, registration for the ICOS Working Group on Toponymy remains open, offering scholars an opportunity to contribute to this growing field. More details can be found on the ICOS website.

Here’s to another year of innovation, research, and collaboration in toponymy! 🌍📍