LINGUISTIC AND ETHNOCULTURAL FEATURES OF GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES IN KARAKALPAK TOPONYMY

Abstract

This article examines the linguistic and ethnocultural features of Karakalpakstan’s toponymy from theoretical and analytical perspectives. It substantiates that, alongside their function of naming geographical objects, toponyms are linguistic units that reflect the history, ethnic composition, natural and geographical environment, economic activities, and cultural worldview of the people. The article considers the history of research into Karakalpak toponymy and the classification of geographical names. The specific features of the formation of toponyms based on natural-geographical, ethnic, anthroponymic, and socio-historical motivations are identified. The names Abadan, Abas, Abat, Aqshakól, Aqjaǵıs, Aqmanqazǵan, Qaraqol, Khojaawıl, Khatep, and Aqkól, taken from the Explanatory Dictionary of Geographical Names of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, are analyzed from linguistic, etymological, and ethnocultural perspectives. The results demonstrate that Karakalpak toponyms are not merely nominative units designating geographical objects but also linguistic sources preserving the historical and cultural memory of the people.