THE CULTURAL INTERPRETATION OF TOPONYMS

Abstrak:

Toponyms, or place names, are not merely geographical identifiers but are imbued with deep cultural significance and historical narratives. This article explores the cultural interpretation of toponyms, examining how these names serve as lenses through which societal values, historical conflicts, and communal identities can be understood. By analyzing toponyms from various geographical and cultural contexts, this study illustrates how place names encapsulate the collective memory and ideological underpinnings of the communities that named them. This research highlights the importance of toponyms in cultural preservation and the risks associated with their erosion due to globalization and urbanization. Ultimately, this study contributes to the broader understanding of how human societies utilize language to negotiate their relationship with the environment and articulate their collective experiences.