Współczesne typy nazw ulic Bielska Podlaskiego

Abstract

The subject of this paper is the analysis of contemporary types of street names in Bielsk Podlaski. The presented topic is analysed with a focus on the semantic aspect. However, this aspect also initiates a number of effects and associated processes. The analysis of the material, covering 180 street names, has lead to the conclusion that the odonymic system for Bielsk, with consideration of semantics, includes the following names: commemorative (45%), topographic (22%), faunistic and floristic (19%), self-descriptive (8%), metaphoric (4%) and given after profession names (1%). An increase in the popularity of commemorative names at the cost of other name types is clearly observed. This Poland-wide trend arose particularly in the 20th century. Contemporary nomenclature for the streets of Bielsk Podlaski is predominated by names devoid of real connection or relevance. Structurally, the majority of street names is single-component. However, over 30 per cent are names with two, three and five elements. Considering morphology and syntax, almost all contemporary street names have an adjectival character.