Abstract
In most cases the use of endo- and exonyms takes place within a text produced in anatural language. Geographical names are linguistic signs and fulfil in communicationgeneral functions of language as well as some additional specific functions that are typicalof proper names only. Therefore, the description and assessment of endo- and (particularly)exonym use should take these functions into account.The aim of this paper is to propose a set of functions of geographical names, which,however, does apply to proper names in general as well. The set shall be useful in theevaluation of the use of exonyms.Some basic assumptions of the semiotic theory of proper name semantics are discussedin the paper. A concise presentation of Jakobson’s (general) functions of language is madeand the two possible perspectives in the description of toponym functions are discussed:the naming act and the subsequent use of a name. The paper provides a brief survey ofselected theoretical stands on the functions of proper names taken by (Slavic) onomastics.These theoretical proposals are then compared with the functions listed by Jakobson.Finally, an extended set of communicative functions of toponyms is proposed and thenapplied to the description of endo- and exonym use.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Mitteilungen der Österreichischen Geographischen Gesellschaft
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
