On the role of toponymic commemorative practices in the research and preservation of disappeared names of geographical objects

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. The problem of research and preservation of disappeared names of geographical objects through toponymic commemorative practices is considered. An analysis is given of the activities of mass communications, thanks to which the memory of bygone toponyms is passed on to future generations of residents of the country as a whole and individual regions, and the local toponymic martyrology is regularly updated with new names. The purpose of the study is to identify the role of toponymic commemorative practices in the study and preservation of disappeared names of geographical objects located on the territory of the Russian Federation.MATERIALS AND METHODS. Using specific examples from the experience of the Voronezh Region on the successful implementation of toponymic commemorative practices, their main types are considered, recommendations are given to public authorities and local governments on how to work in this direction. The empirical base of the study consists of alphabetical lists of geographical names of previously existing settlements registered in the automated state catalog of geographical names, publications in the media and in scientific publications.RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. It is shown that the main types of toponymic commemorative practices can be the installation of commemorative signs, information plaques, chapels, monuments on the site of disappeared settlements, the publication of relevant local history materials, works of art and memoirs of former residents of these settlements in regional and district media, the holding of mass cultural and historical events.CONCLUSION. Communication practices are a reliable channel for preserving the memory of disappeared settlements and their names and transmitting relevant historical and toponymic information to subsequent generations of Russians. To this end, the state authorities and local governments of the subjects of the Russian Federation are recommended to apply toponymic commemorative practices in their activities.