Structural features of the classification of toponyms of Australia and Oceania

Abstract

This article assesses the role of geographical and social factors that influenced the toponyms currently officially fixed on the maps of Australia and Oceania. It is noted that the fundamental reason for naming the toponyms of Australia and Oceania is the desire of speakers of different languages to leave a memory of themselves on geographical maps. The names of the largest number of Australian place names were given by the first settlers — navigators and discoverers. A significant number of them are English geographical names. Among the least common extralinguistic factors influencing the formation of toponyms, the names of vital objects by natives stand out. The instability of such toponyms in the language is noted. Such toponyms are mostly descriptive. Due to the wide field for research activities, a unified universal classification of toponyms has not yet been developed. The article analyzes the classifications of toponyms existing in linguistics and proposes its own classification of toponyms based on practical material from the geographical names of Australia and Oceania. The main criteria for highlighting the structural elements of the classification is the presence or absence of word-formation elements, many of which are typical for the sphere of toponymy. A large group is formed by phrases, which the authors of the article subdivide depending on the number of components. Particular attention is paid to the use of the article as part of the toponym, as well as graphic signs. The classification presented by the authors of the article also makes it possible to judge that the toponyms of Australia and Oceania are part of the lexical system of the general literary language.