LANGUAGE CHARACTERISTICS OF TAI YAI VILLAGE TOPONYMS OF BAOSHAN, YUNNAN PROVINCE, CHINA

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the structure and meaning of the toponyms of Tai Yai villages in Baoshan City, Yunnan Province, China, by studying 235 village names through data collection from local documents and interviews with Tai Yai people in the area. The findings reveal that toponyms can be classified into three main categories: single words, phrases, and sentences, with phrases being the most common structure. This indicates a preference for using more complex and specific phrases in the process of naming villages among the Tai Yai people. The phrase category can further be subdivided into nominal phrases, verbal phrases, prepositional phrases, and adverbial phrases, with nominal phrases composed of "noun + noun" and "noun + adjective" being the most common. This reflects the use of words to describe the specific characteristics of a place or significant elements in that area. Furthermore, the analysis of the meanings of the village names reveals that these names are related to several dimensions, including the relationship between the area and entities, entities and attributes, and objects and positions. These relationships reflect the thinking of the Tai Yai community, which is closely connected to the environment, natural resources, and traditional ways of life, both in physical and cultural aspects. Overall, the findings help understand the linguistic structure and thought process of the Tai Yai people in naming their villages, which conveys local identity, a bond with nature, and the deep-rooted cultural diversity of the Tai Yai society in Yunnan Province, China. Additionally, this research can contribute to learning and development in areas such as education, cultural preservation, tourism, and meaningful design at both local and broader levels.