Discussion on Ways of Reading and Writing Some Place Names in the Central Highlands: A Cultural-Linguistic Approach

Abstract

Toponym is the name given to any geographical entity. Toponym provides us with the understanding of communicative activities, language, history, and culture of a place or an ethnic community. For a multicultural and multi-ethnic area with long and specific history like Vietnam Central Highlands, toponyms are enriched with historic and cultural elements. However, this creates some difficulties to communicative activities. Therefore, a thorough study on toponyms from language – culture perspective in local area is essential to facilitate the communicative activities. Based on the general basis of geography and toponyms in the Central Highlands as well as researching a number of geographical cases in the Central Highlands about different interpretations and expressions, the article provides recommendations on identification, modification and usage of the toponyms in this land.