Author(s) :

Walelign Melak (with Desalegn Hagos & Mulugeta Tarekegn).

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This paper explores the naming practices, meanings, and grammatical structures of descriptive settlement place names, in Gojjam. It examines how natural and sociocultural factors influence the naming of places. Natural factors include elements like the presence of spring water, proximity to the seashore, the function of rivers, and the local flora, fauna, soil color, land use patterns, and climate conditions. SocioCultural Causes involve aspects like speech patterns of residents, frequent activities held in the area, and the historical presence of settlements. The meanings of these names can be both literal (referential) and suggestive (connotative). The grammar of place names exhibits internally a range of grammatical features. Their form may indicate grammatical functions like diminutive, accusative, purposive, possessive), locative), and conditional. Their ineternal structure may have inflectional morphmes, and they can be compounds, noun phrases, prepositional phrases, and postpositional phrases

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