THE REVIEW OF A TOPONYMICAL DICTIONARY

Abstract

It is known that toponymic dictionaries are fundamentally different from other types of dictionaries. Some toponymical dictionaries include the meanings of each toponymic unit. In some dictionaries, we can see toponyms and their origin only. Not all toponymical dictionaries include the meanings of toponyms. When we look at English toponymic dictionaries, we can see in them the features listed above. Toponymic dictionaries can serve not only as a dictionary but also as a guide. As for toponyms, they can represent one or more toponymical layers too. As a language unit, they are studied in Linguistics, as well as in Lexicology and Lexicography. In this article, analyses of some toponyms and their importance in Lexicography can be faced. Furthermore, the importance of Lexicography is mentioned. Toponyms mainly describe place names, and their origin, that is ethnography. This article reviews the Dictionary of London Place Names by the famous English toponymist David Mills. It is mentioned the structure of the dictionary, and the use of vocabulary units in it in terms of quantity and quality.  Some toponyms used in the past as well as those that still exist today are also considered in the article. Their current existence and reflection in a dictionary of place names were reviewed and compared with the place names given in an online dictionary. Furthermore, there are given some examples and clarifications of some toponyms are taken from the dictionary. In a word, I can say that toponyms can be the bridge between history and the present.

Keywords

Toponyms, toponymical dictionaries, place names