Place-name policies in Scandinavia and elsewhere

Abstract

A chosen place-name policy (or the lack of such a policy) might affect the existing place-name stock as well as emerging, proposed or future place-names in many ways. A chosen place-name policy might include name regulation, name preservation, name legislation, and name planning – including every step from observations and ideas to decision-making. It might affect individuals or groups of people as well as important societal structures and functions. So, what are the main tasks and challenges of today’s place-name policies in Scandinavia and elsewhere? How can modern demands and modern usage be combined with a quest to safe-guard place-names as part of our intangible cultural heritage? And finally, how can onomastics and onomasticians help the most and contribute to the understanding and awareness of these important aspects of names and naming. – In this paper I discuss these matters (with examples mostly from Sweden) – of course without giving any definite answers or solutions.