Epic Toponyms as Carriers of a Linguocultural Code

Abstract

This study examines the cultural meaning of names denoting places such as mountains, water objects, and settlements. The study drew evidence from a famous Kazakh epos, Kozy Korpesh – Bayan Sulu, to provide insight into how epic toponyms contribute to the explication of culture. The study addressed the motives and methods of the linguistic and anthropological interpretation of toponyms, paying special attention to explicitly encoded cultural values. The study adopted a qualitative research approach based on a combination of secondary approaches – linguoculturological, intensive topology and holistic etymology involving linguistic etymology, folk etymology, and perceptual etymology. The data was collected in the form of connotations and denotations which each epic toponym represented in the poem. The findings show that, based on their etymological origin, epic toponyms belonged to two major groups: one, toponyms named after certain features of the landscape; and second, toponyms named after certain events in the epos. The former toponyms are transparent and reveal the perception and attitude of the Turkic peoples to the location through denotation, while the latter are based on legends and reflect the household and everyday routine specific to the Turkic peoples through connotation. As a result of complex etymological analysis, some toponyms are shown in both the denotative and connotative aspects. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that epic toponyms serve as an essential source of cognition of the worldview and national culture. Through the use of the complex methodology of analysis, the study contributes to the development of anthropological studies in toponymy and helps to establish links between Turkic languages and cultures.