Structured studying of geographical names on the example of countries’ names in the modern Chinese language by students of higher educational establishments

Abstract

The article clarifies necessity for a structured presentation and research of various geographical names using examples of countries’ names by students of international relations’ faculties of higher educational establishments who study the Chinese language and plan to work in international organizations, diplomatic institutions, etc. It is noted that the correct use and spelling of geographical names will be the key to successful negotiations when meeting with partners, speeches at international conferences, supporting effective everyday communication as well. The importance of delineating a clear approach when studying countries’ names in the modern standard Chinese language (putonghua) is determined by the fact that, firstly, in the textbooks and various manuals for learning Chinese, insufficient attention is paid to the interpretation of the meanings of characters - components from which toponymic names are formed; secondly, insufficient number of examples are given in order to trace certain patterns of original transference of countries’ names in Chinese; thirdly, it does not reflect the general system, using which it is possible to simplify and at the same time to improve studying many geographical names. The article focuses on the fact that students of the faculties of international relations as well as students of philological faculties of linguistic higher educational establishments when learning the Chinese language need to have a clear idea of how toponyms are interpreted in order to use them in the future international communication. Exact examples of structured research of countries’ names in Chinese are given and analyzed.