CONCEPTONYMS OF THE MULTICULTURAL SPACE OF ODESA

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of conceptonyms as a specific type of linguistic and cultural units representing the multicultural space of Odesa. The research substantiates the relevance of conceptonym studies within the framework of cognitive onomastics, linguoculturology, and the theory of regional conceptual spheres. It has been established that the multicultural space of Odesa emerged as a result of long-term interaction among Ukrainian, Greek, Bulgarian, Jewish, Moldovan, Armenian, German, and other cultural traditions, which led to the formation of a multilayered system of names characterized by a high degree of cultural semanticization. The paper proposes an interpretation of the conceptonym as a proper name or a name of onymic origin that, through historical, cultural, and social development, has acquired the status of a representative of a conceptual complex and functions as a carrier of the collective memory of a community. The main features of conceptonyms are identified, including cultural markedness, historical motivation, associative complexity, symbolic significance, commemorative potential, and the ability to represent a particular fragment of a conceptual sphere. The author develops a typology of conceptonyms within the multicultural space of Odesa and distinguishes topoconceptonyms, urbanoconceptonyms, ethnoconceptonyms, commemorative conceptonyms, and symbolic conceptonyms. Based on the analysis of such names as Arkadiia, Velykyi Fontan, Peresyp, Lanzheron, Derybasivska, Pryvoz, Potemkin Stairs, Moldavanka, Odesa-Mama, Pearl by the Sea, and Southern Palmyra, the mechanisms of transformation of a proper name into a culturally significant sign are demonstrated. It is proved that conceptonyms perform not only nominative but also culture-forming, commemorative, identificational, and concept-forming functions, ensuring the verbalization of historical experience, cultural heritage, and local identity. Prospects for further research include the compilation of a lexicographic register of Odesa conceptonyms and the development of digital resources aimed at representing the cultural memory of the city.