Про функції урбанонімів

Abstract

У статті вперше подано детальний аналіз функцій урбанонімів; розглянуто наявні загальноприйняті концепції; з’ясовано специфіку функцій урбанонімів у контексті функціонування топонімів; виділено основні (номінативну і характеристичну) та факультативні (ідеологічну й асоціативну) функції.

Urbanonyms so far belong to the poorly studied layer of toponims. Though during last years many studies, devoted to this problem, have appeared, many theoretical issues of how their functioning in the language stay unclear. One of them is the problem of identifying of functions of urbanonyms. Considering the issues of the functioning of urbanonyms, we aim to find out why they arise, exist, transform, that is, to determine the role of these names in the life of language and society. At the same time it is necessary to start from the fact that urban names are primarily proper names. Therefore, their main function is nominative-differentiating; it is primary, immanent, such that is given to words only because they appeared in the language as onyms. Optional functions are functions that are synchronously actualized only in part of proper names, and in others are hidden, as a potential opportunity. As we define an optional function as a function only for some names and the primary function as such, which applies to all names, we classify the characteristic function as the primary one (next to the nominative one) for unofficial urbanonymy. The optional ideological function is related to the existence of the so-called memorial, commemorative, or dedication and honors names in the toponymy. Both perform one function - reflecting the ideology of a particular society at a certain stage in its development. Common to so-called emotional and aesthetic names is the attempt to conjure up a certain speaker’s imagination. It is connected with the desire of society to reflect in the names certain aesthetic ideas and concepts that cause the appearance of positive emotions. Thus, the main function of all urban names is nominative identification. For unofficial urbanonymy, we also highlight the characteristic function as the primary one. For the other group, ideological, associative (aesthetic and emotional) and characteristic functions are optional.