The Sigmatics of Place-Naming

Abstract

Studying place-names from the viewpoint of sigmatics is discussed. The article displays the irreducibility of names to a clearly specified place in classifications, and defines its symbolic, indexical, and iconic characteristics. The stages of studying semiotic aspects of place-names (syntactics, semantics, and pragmatics) repeat the stages of studying common names. The author proposes that sigmatic properties should be taken into account alongside with pragmatic features. The role of the human factor is revealed in contrasting the graded importance of objects for people as reference points in spatial cognition. Four frames are singled out which reflect both key meanings reflected in place-names, and constructive character of creating the system of names.