Onomastics as a Window into Social Hierarchies and Power Structures
Keywords:
onomastics, power, social hierarchy, renaming, identity politics, linguistic authority, honorificsAbstract
This article examines the study of onomastics with a focus on how names function as indicators of social hierarchy, political authority, and institutional power. It explores the socio-political dimensions of naming, including honorifics, naming taboos, state-controlled naming practices, and the symbolic power of renaming. Through cross-cultural examples and historical contexts, the paper demonstrates how naming is deeply entwined with status, legitimacy, and control. The study emphasizes that names are not neutral; they often serve as tools of inclusion, exclusion, and social stratification. By investigating the politics of naming, this article reveals the potential of onomastic analysis for understanding structures of dominance and identity formation.
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