Перцептивная топонимика (на материале географических названий России)

Abstract

Introduction. The article is devoted to the analysis of the sensory component of toponyms and identification key strategies in nominating various geographical objects through the prism of sensory perception. The relevance of the study is explained by the fact that such investigation allows receiving general information about society development and highlighting the peculiarities of its perceptual attitude to the surrounding. Materials and Methods. Material for analysis was taken from the toponymic dictionaries and Internet resources dedicated to the geographical names of Russia. Method of semantic-onomasiological analysis made it possible to select and classify toponyms that possess the seme of perception, and distinguish the main trends in the use of different linguistic means that help to reveal modes of perception in the names of geographical objects. Analysis. In the course of the study, it was investigated that the names actualizing visual perception construct the largest group, where several subgroups related to the position of the geographical object, its size, color, shape and quantity could be distinguished. The modes of auditory, olfactory, gustatory and tactile perception are presented in toponymy by a relatively small number. Among these names, the most frequent are hydronyms, from which oikonyms and oronyms are derived. Results. In conclusion, it is stated that sensory toponymy represents an interesting sphere of investigation as it allows tracing the main features of sensory perception of geographical objects and identifing key trends in perceptual space construction.