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Document Details :

Title: Place-Name Care and Standardization in the Nordic Countries
Author(s): HELLELAND, Botolv
Journal: Onoma
Volume: 37    Date: 2002   
Pages: 325-356
DOI: 10.2143/ONO.37.0.519200

Abstract :
This article is divided into two parts. The first discusses place-name care and place-name standardization in general, and the second part gives to survey of the rules and practice of these activities in such of the Nordic countries. To start with the reasons for place-name care and place-name standardization are touched upon, then the distinctions between these two aspects are commented upon.
Whereas the question of correct spelling of place-names has been on the agenda in the Nordic countries since the l9th century, the protection of names as part of the cultural heritage is a much more recent concern. Since he 1970's several conferences on place-name care have been held in the Nordic countries in order to work out programs for a 'good place-name practice'. All the countries experience conflicts between the authorities' wish of correct spelling of place-names and the public's wish to keep up antiquated and even miss-spelled forms. When it comes to legislation only Norway has a comprehensive law on the standardization of place-names, but all the Nordic countries have regulations issued pursuant to other legislation. Sweden has recently introduced an extra section in the act concerning ancient 'monuments and finds' in order to protect place-names as part of the cultural heritage.


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