The presence of minority and indigenous languages in urban naming
26-29 September 2023
University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

The Department of South African Sign Language and Deaf Studies at the University of the Free State (RSA), in partnership with the Joint IGU/ICA Commission on Toponymy, is pleased to announce the next biennial international symposium on place names, in conjunction with a related virtual workshop.

Urban place names, i.e., the names of streets, squares and other intra-urban structures, contain cultural and symbolic value and reflect political power. They can be descriptive such as when they indicate direction, a landmark or the function of a structure; they can be commemorative, reminding of persons, institutions or events; or neutral when numbered or bearing the names of flowers, birds, or planets. They serve as markers of the spatial relationship between humans, groups of humans, and all that encompasses the urban landscape. From the 19th century onward, commemorative naming has been especially affected by political changes that had caused waves of renamings and had a significant impact on the urban linguistic landscape. With the theme for this symposium we wish to explore issues around formal as well as informal urban naming. We need to consider what it means to name shared spaces, what roles these names play in social dynamics, and how these names can be managed. Papers with a focus on minority and indigenous names, including sign languages, are encouraged in particular.

Potential subtopics
Only a limited number of papers can be accommodated, as all sessions will be plenary. Abstracts (250 words) can be submitted by 28 April 2023 to Dr Chrismi Loth at kongresETFB@ufs.ac.za in the following (but not limited to) categories of research:
• The occurrence of minority and indigenous urban names, whether or not officially recognised (including signed names).
• The significance of these languages in urban landscapes.
• Processes of urban naming, especially those that include marginalised languages.
• The rate of change of urban names, and the implications thereof (whether official or on grassroots level).
• National, municipal, and other regulations regarding urban naming.
• Best practices in urban naming.
• Other dimensions of urban place names: administrative, commercial and/or economic, cultural and historical/commemorative, physical, political, and linguistic.

Keynote speakers
• Prof Myriam Vermeerbergen (KU Leuven, Belgium)
• Prof Thapelo J Otlogetswe (University of Botswana, Botswana) Virtual workshop

Geographical names data processing and management
Data processing, database management and production of geographical names information and gazetteers

Presenter: Pier-Giorgio Zaccheddu (Convenor of the Working Group on Geographical Names Data Management of UNGEGN)

Important dates
• Abstract submissions open 27 February 2023
• Abstracts deadline 28 April 2023
• Feedback from Scientific Panel 15 May 2023
• Registrations open 15 May 2023
• Registrations close 20 August 2023
• Proof of payment deadline 20 August 2023

Language of the symposium and workshop
English, with professional South African Sign Language interpreting available. Please indicate requirement for SASL interpreting with registration.

Publication
Depending on the number and quality of papers an accredited publication in our regular conference proceedings series with Sun Bonani will be considered.

About the venue
The symposium will be held face-to-face on the Bloemfontein campus of the University of the Free State (RSA). The workshop will be hosted virtually.

Conference excursion
The excursion will be a full-day trip in and around Bloemfontein on 29 September. Please note that it is subject to a minimum of 20 participants.

Queries can be directed to Dr Chrismi Loth at kongresETFB@ufs.ac.za.