Specific Features of Linguistic Coding of Elements of a Godonym Space

Abstract

The article analyses linguistic constituency of the godonym space of three cities in the Volgograd region – Volgograd, Kamyshin and Petrov Val. The godonym space is a set of geographic names officially assigned to linear topo objects located within settlements. Having taken into account the definitions of the term "linguistic code" in linguistics, the authors offer their interpretation of the phenomenon under study. The research revealed the most important features of the linguistic code: consistency, structural unity, relevant-to-users information, as well as conventionality and symbolism, which convey positive assessments. The linguistic codes that understate intracity linear topo objects nominations are distinguished and specified as memorial, locative, topographic, anthropogenic, symbolic, naturalistic, relatively-abstract, orderly types. Both the general features of motivations in the code actualization for naming linear topographic objects, and the specific set of odonyms that nominates locations in the godonym space of every of the three cities have been established. It was noted that, being the largest, Volgograd godonym space demonstrates variety of linguistic codes, whereas Kamyshin and Petrov Val codes are specified by memorial, local, topographis, anthropogenic and symbolic types. The article offers for observation the historically defined set of geographical names of linear topographic objects in the three cities of the Volgograd region, which reflects multiple ethnic contacts of it, and renaming of road names due to the local authorities "interference" in the godonym space.