Topography in toponymy (a case study of geographical names of Perm Krai)

The paper investigates the principles underlying the organization of toponymic space in correlation with geographical space. The focus is on the toponymic material of the Perm region. The discussion of data sources acknowledges the limited availability of early information concerning the oikonym system in the region, emphasizing the importance of local sources, such as population and land censuses. The most informative regional settlement lists are those compiled since the 19th century, with the 1928 edition considered the most comprehensive and authoritative. The most prevalent word formation patterns in oikonyms prove to be (1) terms derived from the “Geographical terminology” vocabulary and (2) metonymic place names that correlate with the names of adjacent geographical objects. The naming of settlements is frequently tied to three fundamental geographical elements: topographical variations, forested regions, and water sources. Taiga spatial organization has three dimensions: horizontal, vertical, and the movement “vector” related to the water flows. While the detailed specification of oikonyms might suggest a naming duplication of local topography, a comparative analysis has revealed the substantial influence of a value-oriented approach on naming practices. The research demonstrated a distinct linguocultural character, confirming the universality of the organizational patterns of onymic space previously identified by V. A. Nikonov and E. L. Berezovich and emphasizing the paramount importance of the cultural-value principle in space exploration.

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