AXIOLOGICAL ASPECT OF TOPONYMIC VOCABULARY

Abstract

The article investigates the evaluative component of the toponymic vocabulary in the English and Russian languages. The material of the research (evaluative toponyms and toponymic nicknames) was received from the geographic information systems GNIS and the dictionary of Russian toponyms by E.M. Pospelov. The purpose of the study is to identify the ratio of positive or negative evaluation components in the sphere of toponymy in different languages and to explain the cognitive reasons for the predominance of positive semantics among the toponymic vocabulary. The methodology used in the research combines continuous sampling method, method of quantitative and comparative analyses. The results of the investigation show that the axiological aspect of toponymy is universal and that there is a significant asymmetry towards positive evaluation when reflecting the sensory perception of the surrounding reality. This fact can be explained by the work of the language consciousness and the advertising function of toponyms aimed at creating a positive perception of a geographical space.