Publication Details
Abstract
This study investigates the semantics and classification of toponyms in the Takhtakopir district, focusing on their lexical-semantic features and cultural significance. Toponyms serve as a reflection of the relationship between humans and their environment, encoding natural, social, and cultural realities. The research addresses the gap in existing toponymic classifications, proposing a localized categorization of names. The methodology employs descriptive and analytical approaches, utilizing data from historical records, dictionaries, and fieldwork. Results indicate that toponyms in Takhtakopir are predominantly derived from natural features such as flora, fauna, and color symbolism, as well as from human experiences and cultural practices. These toponyms reveal the unique worldview and cognitive structures of the Karakalpak people, highlighting how geographical names preserve environmental and cultural knowledge. The findings contribute to the field of toponymy by refining classification systems and offering deeper insight into the cognitive and cultural layers embedded in geographical naming practices. The study also emphasizes the importance of adapting general classifications to local linguistic and environmental contexts.