Question types relating to proper names consultations at the Language Consulting Service

Abstract

This study aims to present the main types of proper name inquiries, featuring in the correspondence of the Language Consulting Service at the Hungarian Research Centre for Linguistics. The analysis is based on emails received by the service between 2011 and 2022. Using a dynamic and partially hierarchical coding system, we extracted inquiries concerning proper names. The analysis reveals that 90% of the questions related to proper names concern spelling issues. Within this category, we distinguished between (1) relatively straightforward cases answerable based on existing orthographic rules and dictionaries, (2) questions concerning unregulated areas, and (3) questions referring to problematic, inconsistent, and/or contradictory codification. These cases highlight the need for future codification efforts to address inconsistencies and provide clearer guidance.