The role of proper names in strengthening identity in residential and school communities within the framework of name pedagogy

Abstract

Proper names play an important role in language use, fostering a sense of familiarity with the native language and contributing to the development of individual and communal identity. This study examines the role of proper names in these processes and analyses opportunities for development in residential and school settings. The first part of the study proposes a framework and set of themes for general name pedagogy. It defines key related concepts and summarises the research findings underpinning name pedagogy, as presented in previous publications. The second part of the study presents project plans within the framework of name pedagogy in which students engage with proper names related to their environment. In the name-collecting projects, students collect various
types of proper names associated with their place of residence and school. The aim of the namecreation project is to create several types of proper names. The name-research project involves a multifaceted examination of the names of local institutions. The analysis of the projects’ impact addresses the role of proper names in the linguistic landscape. The findings of this study in the field of specialised pedagogy may contribute to the development of a general pedagogy of proper names, as well as to the planning and implementation of further projects that strengthen students’ sense of identity through their engagement with proper names.