Proper Names in the Light of Theoretical Onomastics

92 Vincent BlanárThe above methods of research are applied as a part of the whole methodologicalapproach which takes into account the linguistic and ono masticstatus of proper names. The basic questions of onomastics, such as thecharacter of a proper name, its onymic meaning and content, onymic functions,onymic system and its functions in social communication, are thesubjects of research of general linguistics, the theory of communicationand the theory of onomastics. The general methodology comprises, e. g.the semiotic aspect of onomastics (the proper name as a linguistic signsui generis), the method of system analysis and structural organi sation ofproper names, the reconstruction of the model validity of onymic signs.Information and research flow (facts, methods, concepts) are not completedin theoretical generalisations (recognition of onymic (micro)systems).Parallel research into the performance and functions of systems inordinary communication facilitates the tracking of their dynamics and relationsin the course of their development and provides a new stimulationto deepen the recognition of both interrelated sides of this complicatedphenomenon. Real proper names as elements of the onymic system anddynamic structure of the onymic system – its realisation in social communication– form an area of our scientific research.1. 3 A brief insight into research into proper names as related to thedevelopment of philosophy and linguistic thinkingThe first ideas about proper names in European thinking were formulatedby the Ancient Greek philosophers. Some distinctions between appellativesand propria within the NOMEN category were made by Aristotle.He distinguished individual from general names and noticed thatin proper names the significance of their appellative components isweakened. The proper name as a specific category of language was definedby the Stoics, Chrysippos and Diogenes of Babylon (2 nd –1 st centuryB. C.), who provided the first definition of proper names. They termed itόνοµα. The Stoics defined the term proper name as designating an indivi -dual whose certain meaning is embodied in her/ his/ its specific characteristics(“ individual lekton ”). In appellatives, these are general attributes,in proper names, they are individual attributes. The semiotic meaning ofa proper name has its initiator in Aurelius Augustinus, who anticipatedthe problems in communication, considered the first theory of signs andformulated a remarkable definition of a sign. The first philologists and