FEATURES OF GEOGRAPHICAL TOPONYMY IN THE VOLYN REGION

Abstract

The relevance of the research: the toponymic landscape of Ukraine, especially in the Volyn region, is undergoing notable transformations as a results of socio-political changes, decentralization, urbanization, and the processes of decommunization. These changes are accompanied by the active renaming of geographical objects. In this context, there is a growing need for a systematic analysis of regional toponymy as elements of historical and cultural heritage. Such analysis plays a key role in preserving territorial identity, reinterpreting historical narratives, and fostering the spatial self-awareness of the population. Subject of the research: the subject of the study is the toponyms of the Volyn region, which reflect the region’s natural and geographical conditions, historical and cultural heritage, and socio-economic transformations. The purpose of the study: to identify the specific features of the formation, structure, and semantics of geographical names in the Volyn region as expressions of its natural environment, historical development, and ethnocultural processes. Research methodology: the study applies a comprehensive methodological approach that combines toponymic analysis, linguistic etymology, historical and cartographic research, and geospatial modeling. Research results: toponyms of the Volyn region were analyzed and systematized. Their semantic nature, meanings, and functional roles were determined. Common features in the formation of geographical names were identified, linked to natural factors, historical and cultural developments, and ethnolinguistic influences. Practical Significance: the results provide a basis for accurately interpreting the toponyms of the Volyn region. This is especially valuable for professionals in geography, local history, cultural studies, and tourism. The findings can be applied in spatial planning, heritage preservation, and local branding. Additionally, the data can be used to promote the region, develop thematic tourist routes, and raise public awareness of the origins and meanings of local place names. Conclusions: the study identifies characteristic features of the geographical toponymy of the Volyn region. While toponyms primarily reflect the natural landscape, oikonyms are anthropogenic and represent the socio-historical development of settlements. Prospect for further research: future investigations should explore strategies for preserving and revitalizing the toponymic heritage of the Volyn region, developing rebranding mechanisms for geographical names in the context of the region’s tourist attractiveness as well as in creating integrated information and cartographic resources based on toponymic data in cooperation between scientific institutions, local governments and the tourism business.