Linguistic Geography of Coloгr: Structural Types of Kazakh and Tuvan Toponyms
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25178/nit.2026.2.9Keywords:
toponymy, Tuvan language, Kazakh language, Turkic language, colour termAbstract
The article examines the geographical distribution of colour terms in Kazakh and Tuvan toponymic traditions as a significant fragment of the Turkic linguistic worldview. It identifies and compares structural models of toponyms with a color component in the Kazakh and Tuvan languages, and describes their morphological organization, semantic functions, and symbolic load. The study is based on a systematized corpus of Kazakh and Tuvan toponyms recorded in ethnolinguistic descriptions, topographic sources, and fieldwork notes.
It is established that in both traditions the basic and most productive pattern is the model “colour + geographical term”, which reflects the direct connection between naming practices, natural landscape, and spatial orientation. In the structure of toponyms, common Turkic colour bases such as aq/ak, kök/kök, qara/kara, qyzyl/kyzyl actively function, forming stable nominative types.
The Kazakh toponymic system is characterized by more pronounced derivational variability and a capacity for nuanced semantic differentiation of colour components, which is linked to the broad territorial scope and diversity of natural conditions. Tuvan toponymy, in turn, demonstrates a higher degree of localization in naming practices, a close correlation with specific natural realities, and retains elements of a foreign, primarily Mongolic, substrate influence.
The article concludes that colour components in Kazakh and Tuvan toponymy perform not only a descriptive but also a symbolic and cultural function, reflecting ways of conceptualizing space, the natural environment, and ethnic identity.
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For citation:
Burkitbayeva Sh. D., Tuimebayev Zh. K., Toxeitova A. E. and Sadykova R. K. Linguistic Geography of Colour: Structural Types of Kazakh and Tuvan Toponyms. New Research of Tuva, 2026, no. 2, pp. 127-147. (In Russ.). DOI: https://doi.org/10.25178/nit.2026.2.9
Author Biographies
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Shynaray D. Burkitbayeva Farabi University
PhD, Acting Associate Professor, Department of Turkology and Language Theory, Farabi University.
Postal address: 71, Al-Farabi Ave., 050000, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan.
E-mail: burkitbaeva.1975@mail.ru
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Zhanseit K. Tuimebayev Farabi University
Doctor of Philology, Professor, Rector, Farabi University.
Postal address: 71, Al-Farabi Ave., 050000, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan.
E-mail: turkology.ri@gmail.com
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Aidana E. Toxeitova Farabi University
Doctoral Student, Department of Turkish Studies and History of the East, Farabi University.
Postal address: 71, Al-Farabi Ave., Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan.
E-mail: aydana.ergalikizi@gmail.com
Scientific supervisor — Sh. D. Burkitbayeva, PhD, Acting Associate Professor.
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Roza K. Sadykova Kazakh National Women's Teacher Training University
Candidate of Philological Sciences, Senior Lecturer, Department of Professional Training in Foreign Languages, Kazakh National Women’s Teacher Training University.
Postal address: 114/1 Gogolya St., Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan.
E-mail: rsadykova516@gmail.com
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