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Lexical Stratification and Cultural Semiotics in Hanoi Administrative Toponymy: A Corpus-Based Sociolinguistic Analysis.

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Title: Lexical Stratification and Cultural Semiotics in Hanoi Administrative Toponymy: A Corpus-Based Sociolinguistic Analysis.
Authors: Thao, Le Thi Minh1 thaoltm@hou.edu.vn, Thu, Lai Minh2, Ba, Hoang Thu3 hoangthuba@tmu.edu.vn, Thao, Le Phuong4 lephuongthao@hou.edu.vn
Source: Journal of Language Teaching & Research. Jul2026, Vol. 17 Issue 4, p1168-1176. 9p.
Subject Terms: *Cities & towns, *Categorization (Linguistics), Sociolinguistics, Semantic network analysis, Vietnamese language, Corpora, Social semiotics, Geographic names
Geographic Terms: Hanoi (Vietnam)
Abstract: This corpus-based study investigates the sociolinguistic dimensions of administrative place naming in Hanoi, focusing on lexical stratification patterns and their role in cultural identity construction. Through systematic analysis of 556 toponyms, we reveal that Sino-Vietnamese lexemes dominate administrative nomenclature (73.02%), whilst Pure Vietnamese forms (3.24%) concentrate in semantically specific domains. Quantitative analysis demonstrates statistically significant associations between lexical origins and semantic categories (χ² = 1,138.42, p < 0.001; Cramér's V = 0.571), indicating highly systematic naming practices rather than arbitrary lexical selection. Semantic field analysis reveals that 27.52% of toponyms encode historical commemoration, whilst 35.97% transmit cultural values related to prosperity, harmony, and virtue. Geographic distribution patterns demonstrate distinct lexical strategies across urban zones, with central districts exhibiting concentrated diachronic stratification whilst peripheral areas favour aspirational nomenclature. These findings contribute to sociolinguistic theory on language and place by demonstrating how lexical choice in official toponymy operates as strategic cultural practice, whilst offering methodological frameworks for corpus-based onomastic research in multilingual postcolonial contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Education Research Complete
Description
Abstract:This corpus-based study investigates the sociolinguistic dimensions of administrative place naming in Hanoi, focusing on lexical stratification patterns and their role in cultural identity construction. Through systematic analysis of 556 toponyms, we reveal that Sino-Vietnamese lexemes dominate administrative nomenclature (73.02%), whilst Pure Vietnamese forms (3.24%) concentrate in semantically specific domains. Quantitative analysis demonstrates statistically significant associations between lexical origins and semantic categories (χ² = 1,138.42, p < 0.001; Cramér's V = 0.571), indicating highly systematic naming practices rather than arbitrary lexical selection. Semantic field analysis reveals that 27.52% of toponyms encode historical commemoration, whilst 35.97% transmit cultural values related to prosperity, harmony, and virtue. Geographic distribution patterns demonstrate distinct lexical strategies across urban zones, with central districts exhibiting concentrated diachronic stratification whilst peripheral areas favour aspirational nomenclature. These findings contribute to sociolinguistic theory on language and place by demonstrating how lexical choice in official toponymy operates as strategic cultural practice, whilst offering methodological frameworks for corpus-based onomastic research in multilingual postcolonial contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:17984769
DOI:10.17507/jltr.1704.04