Limological essays (Results of 40 years research in general and geographical limology)

A summary of the author’s scientific achievements in general and geographical limology over 40 years is provided. The category “boundary” is placed among categories: dialogue, identity, map, compromise, conflict, landscape, position, space, wayfaring/journey, diversity, reflection, etc. Boundaries span the entire spectrum of “arbitrary lines---active symbols---corporeal/physical edges---active axes.” The logic of boundary-making as partitioning and the novel types of boundaries are examined. Boundary-making as partitioning is distinguished from boundary-making as separation. Symmetric and asymmetric boundaries are also distinguished. The logical status of boundaries is specified from the standpoint of the logic of regioning (as distinct from regionalization). The special character of boundaries and working with boundaries is stated with reference to cultural landscape. The relationship between boundaries, transition zones and ecotones is considered. The fundamental duality of boundaries in research and application is defined as the duality of corporeal/physical edge of place (region) versus sign of place. The status of the problem of borders and the status of the borders themselves in different regionalization practices are clarified. Differences and connections of borders outside the districts and inter-district borders are indicated. The meaning of the border as distinguishing and dismembering is shown. A number of well-known semantic border paradoxes are summarized and new ones are formulated. A new general idea of the map is given. Ideas about nomogenic regions and borders, limogenic and limocentric systems are introduced. Atypology of border zones based on “contact - barrier” is developed. A general typology of borderline identities is given. The ecological and cultural-semiotic meanings and functions of boundaries/ecotones and the meaning and value of boundaries in landscape are defined. A summary of limological analysis of a series of places is given: ribbon (tape) forests, “opolyes— polesyes” (as geographical concepts somewhat related to Opolye and Polesye areas), Inner Periphery, Urals, etc. The scientific field of limology is distinguished from the applied sphere of “limonautics.”