Proper Names in the Polish Global Reality

Abstract

AbstractThe paper presents the most recent names, particularly those related to cities and towns (especially names of buildings, streets, factories, and shops) against the background of current globalization processes that assume various forms of unification or individualization.Proper names are treated as units that co-create the local identity (narrative names) or transparent identity (transparent names). Narrative names as defined in the paper are created from existing proper names. Proprial narration is understood here as multidirectional references made by certain onyms to other objects, for instance the names of buildings connecting to names of nearby streets, lakes, or islands. On the other hand, transparent designations are anonymous names that conceal the origin of denotats. They indicate an unreal origin (e.g., English or Italian) of the named object.