The role of numerals in the formation and functioning of the toponymic system: complex approach

Abstract

The aim of the research is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of numerative toponyms on the material of the USA toponymic system. The material of the research was toponyms containing numerals from 1 to 10 in the amount of 20709 units, obtained by the method of continuous sampling from the USa toponymic database. The numerals transition process into the category of toponymic lexicon is investigated. The structural models of toponyms with numerals, the most frequent forms of writing numerals, as well as the most productive numerals on the map of the USA are revealed. The main numerals functions in the toponyms composition are determined. The percentage ratio of the studied units depending on the type of the designated object is revealed, which shows the preferable occurrence of numerals in the natural objects names composition, mainly hydronyms. The states of the USA with the largest and the smallest numeralized toponyms were identified. The prevalence of numerative toponyms on the territory of the USA is analyzed and the results are presented on the map. The numerative toponyms share in the USA toponymic lexicon is determined. The research makes a significant contribution to the toponym creation process knowledge, the role that numerals play in this process, and the peculiarities of their semantics and functioning. The research can be a starting point and a tool for further research in the field of toponymic naming, helping better understand and explain the place name formation cognitive mechanisms.