ПРЕЦЕДЕНТНІ ТОПОНІМИ В НЕОФІЦІЙНИХ НАЗВАХ АМЕРИКАНСЬКИХ МІСТ І ШТАТІВ

Abstract

Nicknames or informal (alternative) names for geographical objects belong to particularly interesting phenomena in the sphere of proper names. The topicality of an in-depth analysis of this group of nicknames is determined by their wide spread in English-speaking countries as well as their important informative function and ethno-cultural value. The aim of the research is to identify and describe the main motivational types of informal names of American cities and states that contain precedent toponyms. Our task is also to determine what geographical names serve as precedent phenomena and classify them into groups. Precedent toponyms used in the nicknames under discussion include geographical names relating to the Old and the New Worlds. They can be both universal cultural symbols (e.g. Athens, Paris, Mecca; New York, Las Vegas) and phenomena that are familiar mostly to native English speakers, particularly Americans (e.g. Birmingham; Saratoga, Lexington and Pittsburgh). Among the precedent toponyms of the first group the component ‘Athens’ predominates: it functions in over ten nicknames in question as a symbol of art, culture and education. The most popular U.S. toponyms used in the informal place names are ‘Chicago’ and ‘Las Vegas’. The nicknames under discussion also contain mythonyms – biblical place names (e.g. Gomorrah, Eden), and lesser-known onyms that are mainly associated with American or British culture. The nicknames for some U.S. cities are based on the names of famous streets, districts and neighbourhoods (e.g. Wall Street, Hollywood). The main conclusion of the research is that the nicknames in question are mostly connected with the history, culture, economy and nationality of the first settlers or current inhabitants of various cities and regions.