LINGUOCULTURAL ANALYSIS OF TOPONYMICAL PERIPHRASES IN PERU

Abstract

This article focuses on linguistic and cultural aspects of Peruvian toponymical periphrases through the analysis of the linguistic material and surveying native speakers of the Peruvian national variant of Spanish language as informants. The motivation and structure of Peruvian toponymical periphrases is analyzed from the semiotic point of view. The most frequently used lexemes in the formation of the periphrases are classified by their meaning. The complex analysis of 70 toponymical periphrases for Peruvian cities shows the richness of motivating features and proves that they create emotional and evaluative parallels for traditional toponyms. Such components as ciudad, tierra, capital, sede, cuna, joya, perla are recognized as onomastic dominants in Peruvian toponymical periphrases. The authors also put emphasis on homonymic coincidences of toponymical periphrases in Peru and in the neighbouring countries like Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador and Brazil.

The similarities in the motivation of South American toponyms are classified as: associations with ancient European cities (Rome, Athens, Sevilla, London); associations with climatic conditions (viento, eterno); signs of local industrial development, characteristics and achievements of the population; self-perceptions (loyalty and devotion, cordiality and hospitality, friendliness). The derivation of parameters of toponymical linguistic creativity of South Americans in general is considered as possible scientific perspective.