Place-Name Politics in Multilingual Areas: A Comparative Study of Southern Carinthia (Austria) and the Tesin/Cieszyn Region (Czechia)

This book explores the role of place names in the formation and maintenance of individual and group identities in multilingual and multi-ethnic situations, using examples from Austria and Czechia. It examines the power of place names through an interdisciplinary and multi-methods approach, contextualizing both places within their social and political histories and probing recent debates in the social sciences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 616 pages
Publication date: 02 August 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into the profound impact of place names on the formation and preservation of individual and collective identities in multilingual and multiethnic contexts. Through detailed case studies of Austria and Czechia, the authors employ an interdisciplinary and multi-methods approach, drawing from the fields of anthropology, geography, sociolinguistics, and toponomastics, to explore the power inherent in place names. By contextualizing these places within their social and political histories, the book uncovers the intricate interplay between place names, identity, and power. It also engages with recent debates in the social sciences, shedding light on the complex relationships between these three elements. This insightful work will appeal to scholars and students specializing in place names, minority communities and languages, as well as linguistic landscapes.

Introduction:
Place names hold immense significance in shaping the identities of individuals and communities. They carry cultural, historical, and social meanings that can influence how people perceive and interact with their surroundings. In multilingual and multiethnic societies, where diverse languages and cultures coexist, place names become even more complex and multifaceted. This book aims to explore the role of place names in the formation and maintenance of individual and group identities in such contexts.

Case Studies:
To achieve this, the authors employ a comprehensive approach, drawing from various disciplines. They examine the power of place names through an interdisciplinary and multi-methods approach, which includes anthropological studies, geographical analysis, sociolinguistic research, and toponymic studies. By studying the historical and cultural backgrounds of these places, as well as the current debates surrounding place names, identity, and power, the authors provide a rich and nuanced understanding of the role of place names in shaping identities.

Austria and Czechia:
The book begins by providing a detailed account of Austria and Czechia, two countries with a rich linguistic and cultural heritage. Through their case studies, the authors highlight the ways in which place names have influenced the formation and maintenance of individual and group identities. They explore the historical and political factors that have shaped the naming practices of these regions, as well as the social and cultural implications of place names.

Identity and Power:
One of the central themes of the book is the relationship between place names, identity, and power. The authors argue that place names can exert power over individuals and communities by shaping their perceptions and attitudes. They explore how place names can be used to promote or perpetuate stereotypes, marginalize certain groups, or assert dominance over others. They also examine how individuals and communities negotiate and contest the meanings associated with place names, and how these negotiations can influence the formation and maintenance of identities.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of place names and naming practices. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of the role of place names in shaping individual and group identities in multilingual and multiethnic contexts. Through its case studies and analysis, the book sheds light on the complex interplay between place names, identity, and power. It will be of interest to scholars and students specializing in place names, minority communities and languages, as well as linguistic landscapes.

Weight: 830g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030694906
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021