Informal place names as a genre of folklore (on the example of Tyumen)

Abstract

The article deals with the theoretical foundations of informal place names as a folk genre. The peculiarities of national names assignment to places and streets of the settlement are emphasized. The methods of informal place names formation in Tyumen, the history of their appearance as well as the role of folk place names in folklore its importance in ensuring the full understanding of the language, culture and history of the native city. The most popular place names used in informal speech by citizens of Tyumen are given. The grounds of their differentiation are highlighted: the function of historical memory, reflection of topical issues, metaphorical transfer based on visual association, language game, epithets, hyperbolization. Cases of transition of informal place names to the number of official Tyumen names and their viability are described. Prospects and directions of further research are defined.