Multicultural elements reflected in literary anthroponymy. Case study: L. M. Arcade

Abstract

It is known that onomastics plays a major part in a literary text. Toponymy impacts on the spatial projection of the action, while anthroponymy helps outline and individualize characters. This paper aims to reveal the extent to which characters’ names reflect multiculturalism. To this end, the object of study consists of anthroponyms used in Cultural revolution, one of the literary creations by L. M. Arcade (Leonid Mămăligă’s pseudonym). For instance, the names of some of the main characters in the novel, twelve students, are indicative of a wide multicultural range: Bokutu, a Congolese who studies theology; Şloimi Pipirig, a Jew; Coco Ipsilanti, whose name has Greek roots. There are also other names which are suggestive in themselves: Catrafus, Voioşilă, Johny Doi, Smântânică, etc. It is precisely the presence of students pertaining to various nationalities, religions and ethnic groups which allows the author to introduce a series of multicultural elements.