THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION

DUONG THI NGU

TOPONYM WITH ORIGINAL ELEMENTS OF ETHNIC

MINORITY LANGUAGE IN TUYEN QUANG

(the research was located infour districts: Chiem Hoa, Lam Binh,

Na Hang, Son Duong)

Major: Vietnamese language

Code: 62 22 01 02

SUMMARY OF DOCTORAL THESIS

LANGUAGE AND CULTURE OF VIETNAM

THAI NGUYEN - 2017

The dissertation has been completed in:

UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION

- THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY

Supervisor : Assoc. Prof. Pham Van Hao

Opponent 1:………………………………………………

Opponent 2:………………………………………………

Opponent 3:……………………………………………….

The thesis will be defended before the thesis review Council at the: -

UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION - THAI NGUYEN

UNIVERSITY

At ... hour ..on . day ... month ... year 2017

The thesis can be found at:

National Library of Viet Nam;

Learning and Information Resource Centre - Thai Nguyen

Library of Thai Nguyen University of Education.

LIST OF WORKS PUBLISHED OF THE AUTHOR

RELATING TO THE THESIS TITLE

1. Duong Thi Ngu (2015), "Some geographic name of historical and

cultural siter in Kien Dai, Chiem Hoa district, Tuyen Quang

province", Journal of Ngon ngu va đoi song, (7), pg. 75- 77.

2. Duong Thi Ngu (2015), "Common elements of geographic name

in Chiem Hoa, Lam Binh, Na Hang,districts, Tuyen Quang

province" Journal of Scientific seminar proceedings Ngữ học trẻ,

pg. 1296-1301.

3. Duong Thi Ngu (2016), “"Na Lua” or “Na Nua"?”, Journal of

Ngon ngu va đoi song, (7), pg. 92- 94.

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INTRODUCTION

1. Rationale

1.1. Linguistics has many specializations, including

Toponymy, which studies the origin, structure, semantics,

variation, distribution and use of Toponym. Toponymy explores

different aspects of naming, and simultaneously learns about the

language, culture of a region in particular and a nation in general.

1.2. Tuyen Quang province is inhabited by many ethnic

groups, in which the ethnic minorities account for 50% of the

province’s population. The study of Toponym in Tuyen Quang

is focused on understanding the geographic names in the

languages of different ethnic minority groups, in which Tay,

Nung ethnic groups are the majority. Toponyms with original

elements of the ethnic minority language are place-names in

Vietnamese, derived from the original language of the ethnic

minority community in Tuyen Quang.

1.3. At present, the study of toponym with original

elements of ethnic minority language in Tuyen Quang province in

the linguistic direction is still limited, and unsystematic. For the

above reasons, the researchers have decided the theme:

Toponym with original elements of the ethnic minority

language in Tuyen Quang (The research was located in four

districts: Chiem Hoa, Lam Binh, Na Hang, Son Duong)

2. Object and scope of the research

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2.1. Object: Toponym with original elements of the ethnic

minorities in Tuyen Quang province

2.2. Scope: The scope of the study is to survey and study

Toponyms with original elements of the ethnic minorities in

Tuyen Quang province.

3. Research methods: Fieldwork surveying and descriptive

methods as well as interdisciplinary approach and some other

methods have been utilized in the research.

4. Data sources: local economic, cultural and social documents

and fieldwork data.

5. Research goal and mission

5.1. Goal: Through the study of Toponym with original elements of

the ethnic minority language in Tuyen Quang province, the

dissertation has made contributions to illuminating the problem of

Toponym under linguistic aspects, and resolving the problem of

spelling place-names in reality.

5.2. Mission: explore the theoretical issues of Toponymy;

conduct survey and fieldwork of the system of Toponym

with original elements of ethnic minority languages in

different geographical places within the study area;

describe, count, and analyze Toponyms to clarify the

compositional characteristics and the naming method of

ethnic minority languages in Tuyen Quang province; find

out the reflection of meaning in the ethnic minority place

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names; identify the way to write, read the place names in

the ethnic minority languages in practice, and propose

some solutions to use those names uniformly with correct

spelling in Vietnamese documents.

6. The research significance

- Scientific significance: the dissertation has contributed to

the enrichment of knowledge about Toponymy in Vietnam based on

the study of Vietnamese place names with original elements of the

ethnic minority languages in Tuyen Quang. The research results will

simultaneously be documented for later studies of local culture and

history.

- Practical significance: the dissertation helps ethnic

minority people in Tuyen Quang get better understandings of the

cultural and linguistic features of their own homeland through

place names. The dissertation helps enrich the cultural

documents about ethnic minorities in the province. In addition,

the dissertation has contributed to the compilation of the Tuyen

Quang Encyclopedia of Toponym; writing articles and standard

mapping of local places.

Chapter 1: RESEARCH OVERVIEW AND THE THEORETICAL-

PRACTICAL BASES OF THE DISSERTATION

1.1. Overview of Toponym research

1.1.1. In the world

1.1.2. In Vietnam

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There are many research approaches to Toponym in

Vietnam such as geographic-historical-cultural approach;

linguistic approach. However, the research on Toponym with

original elements of ethnic minority languages in the

northeastern region of our country is still limited, and no

similar study has been conducted in Tuyen Quang province.

1.2. Some theoretical issues

1.2.1. Overview of linguistic nomination

Nomination is the designation of an object with a name in

words. The basis for designation is the characteristics of the object

itself or the characteristics associated with the object.

1.2.2. Definition of Toponym

Toponyms are words within the vocabulary of a

language, expressed in distinct words and subdivided into

natural and artificial categories. They have common names and

proper names.

1.2.3. Classification of Toponym

1.2.4. Functions of Toponym

Personalizing objects and identifying things are the most

important functions, which expresses the true nature of the

place. In addition, Toponym also has cultural value when it

reflects reality and preserves cultural values.

1.2.5. The position of Toponymy in linguistics

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Toponymy belongs to Vocabulary. The research objects of

Toponymy are words that are used to name geographic objects.

1.2.6. Some linguistic and cultural issues

There exists an organic and close relation between

linguistics and culture. This relationship is manifested in the way

that language is seen as expression, embodiment, and symbol of

culture.

1.3. Practical bases

1.3.1. Overview of Tuyen Quang province

Tuyen Quang is a mountainous province in the Northeast

of Vietnam. Tuyen Quang has more than 22 ethnic groups, in

which Kinh, Tay, Dao, Cao Lan, Nung, Hoa, H ' Mong, San Diu are

majority in population.

1.3.2. Some features of the research area

1.3.2.1. Ethnic minorities

The ethnic minorities in Tuyen Quang mainly use the

languages of Tay-Nung and Mong-Dao groups, in which the

Tay-Nung minorities are majority in population of Tuyen

Quang province.

1.3.3.2. General characteristics of the ethnic minority languages

Ethnic minority languages in Tuyen Quang are mainly

composed of the Tay - Nung group, belonging to the Tay - Thai

language in the Thai - Kedai system; Hmong language in the Mèo

branch, Dao in the Dao branch, both belonging to the Mèo - Dao

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system. Both of those are tonetic, isolating languages which have

their own phonetic, lexical and spelling characteristics.

1.4. Summary

In this chapter, the dissertation presents an overview,

theoretical and practical bases for the study of Toponym with

original elements of ethnic minority languages in Tuyen Quang

province.

In the overview of research issues, the dissertation

summarizes and generalizes the main research directions of

Toponym in the world and in Vietnam. Toponym research has

long been carried out around the world and has obtained

many achievements. In Vietnam, there are many studies of

Toponym at both micro and macro levels; however, the study

of Toponym with original elements of ethnic minority

languages in Tuyen Quang was conducted for the first time.

In the theoretical part, the dissertation introduces theory

of Toponym: concept, classification, structure, function of

Toponym, and the relationship between Toponymy and

linguistics; approaches to Toponym research from linguistic

perspectives. Some of the contents are systematized as follows:

First, based on theory of Toponym, the dissertation

suggests that place names are words that name natural or

unnatural objects. Toponym has distinct effect, locating

geographic features the object.

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Second, Toponymy is part of linguistics; therefore,

Toponym research is the work of linguistics. Linguistics studies

the structural model, the generating and developing process of

Toponym; explores its meaning, variation; standardizes the place

names in Vietnamese administrative documents.

Third, in classification of Toponym, the “natural –

unnatural” criterion is utilized to name natural terrain,

construction sites, administrative locations and geographic

regions. Regarding the origin of language, the place names are

classified according to different language origins, but mainly

focusing on Tay-Nung language group.

In the introduction to the study scope, the dissertation

presents the basic details of Tuyen Quang province focusing on

the ethnic, linguistic and cultural issues as the basis for the

exploitation of place names with original elements of ethnic

minority languages in Tuyen Quang province. The research was

conducted in four districts: Chiem Hoa, Lam Binh, Na Hang and

Son Duong, where most of the ethnic groups of the province are

inhabited. The dissertation mainly studies the place names with

original elements of Tay-Nung language because this is the

language of the ethnic minorities, which occupy the largest

population among ethnic community of the province. In addition,

only this language is used to name the ethnic minority places in

socio-economic and cultural documents.

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Chapter 2: CHARACTERISTICS OF TOPONYMS WITH

ORIGINAL ELEMENTS OF ETHNIC MINORITY LANGUAGES IN

TUYEN QUANG PROVINCE

2.1. Introduction

2.2. The results of the collection and classification of ethnic

minority place names in Tuyen Quang

2.2.1. Result of collecting place names

2.2.2. Classification of place names

2.2.2.1. Classification based on the “natural – unnatural” criterion

2.2.2.2. Classification based on language criterion

2.3. Complex structure of Toponym

Complexus is a term that refers to the combination of two or

more components of things or phenomena. Toponym complexus

is the combination of word components that generate a place

name. Toponym complexus includes two parts: common element

and individual element.

2.3.1. Structure of common element

2.3.1.1. Number of common elements: The dissertation gathered

and collected 53 common elements in place names with original

ethnic minority language in Tuyen Quang.

2.3.1.2. Compositional characteristics of common elements

Of the common elements that are used to identify

geographic places, 40 elements are formed by one language unit;

seven are formed by 2 units; four are formed by 3 units; and two

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are formed by 5 units. Common elements that include several

units are Vietnamese words and used to name man-made works.

2.3.1.3. Origin of common elements

Of 53 common elements listed, 33 elements include one

original unit of ethnic minority language, mainly Tay-Nung.

2.3.1.4. Functions of common elements

a, Defining function of common elements

In toponym complexus, common elements are defining

and individual elements are defined. Thanks to common

elements, individual ones are clearly defined and distinguished

with other place names.

b, Transformation function of the common elements

In the first position of individual elements, the transformation of

natural geographical place names occurs at high level.

c, The combination of common elements

The combination of 53 common elements to reflect the

geographic diversity of the area is quite diverse. Therein, the

combination of common and individual elements in place names

with original ethnic language reaches highest level shown in the

names of 481 natural geographical places, and lowest level in

man-made works with 246 places.

2.3.2. Structure of individual elements

2.3.2.1. Components of individual elements

a, Number of language units in individual elements

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b, Compositional characteristics of individual elements

b1, Individual elements with single component

b2, Individual elements with complex components.

2.4. Methods of naming places with original elements of

ethnic minority languages in Tuyen Quang province

2.4.1. Self-created method

a) Giving names by geographic features of the objects:

Subgroups include names based on the terrain characteristics of

the objects; names based on the shape of the objects; names

based on the size of the objects; names based on the color

characteristics of the objects, etc.

b) Giving names by features related to the objects:

Subgroups include names based on species of plants and

animals; names based on characteristics of location, space;

names based on the type of minerals found in the objects; names

based on religious beliefs or folklores; names based on specific

names directly related to the objects, etc.

2.4.2. Methods of transformation

2.4.2.1. Transformation within one type

2.4.2.2. Transition between different types

a. Natural geographic groups converted to other types

b. Population group converted to other types

2.4.3. Characteristics of nomination in terms of semantics

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There are two types of nomination interms of

semantics. In the same kind of toponym, one available place

name will be transformed metaphorically in form. Place

names may also be transformed metonymically, i.e. indirect

nomination. Of 1176 place names of the ethnic minorities in

Tuyen Quang, 201 places were given names indirectly, about

17,09%; 953 places (about 81,37%) were named directly.

2.5. Cultural features of Toponym expressed through its

components

2.5.1. Cultural features through common elements

Common elements refer to different types of natural

geographic objects that show the diversity of natural terrain,

provide information about the characteristics of the habitat and

origin of indigenous people and the cultural characteristics of the

ethnic minority community.

2.5.2.1. The culture of living reflected in the individual elements of

the place names shows the living habitat

The Tay, Nung, Dao, Mong, Cao Lan ethnic groups, etc,

live geographically close with each other; therefore, they have

similar cultural features in their place of residence, production,

exploitation and living. This is partly reflected in the individual

elements of the place names.

2.5.2.2. Production culture is shown through individual elements

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Place names not only cover the meaning and reality of

the residence, but also the occupations of indigenous people,

through clear characteristics of nomination, occupations of

ethnic minorities. The individual elements show that Tuyen

Quang has a long history of agricultural and forestry production.

2.5.2.3. Cultural activities associated with the beliefs of the ethnic

people

Toponym with original elements of the ethnic minority

languages in Tuyen Quang province accounts for 9 out of 134

historical-cultural place names (about 6,71 %). This has reflected

the beliefs of ethnic minority people with supernatural forces,

individuals who have merit in the fight against foreign invaders

or those who have explored new land and provided vocational

training for the residents.

2.5.2.4. Cultural and historical perspective through individual

elements of Toponym

At each stage of history, each land title, village name in

Tuyen Quang has its own cultural and historical significance.

2.5.2.5. Some of the place names associated with folk legends are

represented through individual elements

Since ancient times, the formation of each river and

mountain in Tuyen Quang has been explained in folk legends.

This is a primitive, easy-to-understand explanation of ancient

people about places, and through legends, human dreams are

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manifested via place names. Behind the stories of these places,

we can see that human minds, psychology, and beliefs have

created legends to explain places. This is also a manifestation of

the relationship between place and culture.

2.6. Summary

The dissertation has collected 1176 place names with

original elements of the ethnic minority languages, divided

into three types: natural geographical place names (481),

population-based place names (449), and man-made place

names (246)

The structure of place names with original elements of

the ethnic minority languages in Tuyen Quang province is a

complexus including common and individual elements.

There are two methods of nominating the places with

original elements of the ethnic minority in Tuyen Quang: self-

creation and transformation. The former generated 953 place

names, about 81.37%. The latter generated a hierarchical,

integrated structure in place names with original ethnic minority

elements (there are 409 transformations of places, of which

mainly from common elements to individual elements in the first

position (391 transformations), or in the second position (18

transformation) in place names)

Research on place names with original ethnic minority

elements in Tuyen Quang in the aspects of language – culture has

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shown the cultural characteristics through elements in place

names originated in ethnic minority languages.

Chapter 3: THE REALITY IN THE SPELLING OF PLACE NAMES

ORIGINATED IN ETHNIC MINORITY LANGUAGES IN TUYEN

QUANG PROVINCE

3.1. Introduction

3.2. The practical use of place names with original ethnic

minority elements in Tuyen Quang province

3.2.1. Common situation of using place names

3.2.2. Place names that are uniformly used

3.2.3. Place names that are not uniformly used

a. Dissimilarity in the first syllable: the dissertation investigated

the case: difference in written form of “b” in comparison with

other letters; Confusion of the initial consonant due to

misspellings; not consistent in the use between “ch” and “tr”; not

consistent in the spelling between “p” and “ph”.

b. Main syllables are not uniformly recorded: the dissertation

studied cases of inconsistency: between “a” and “ă”; “a” and “â”;

“o” and “oo”; confusion between “oo”, or “o” and “ô”; “uô” and “u”.

c. Inconsistency in final consonants: the dissertation examined

the dissimilarity in writing “t – c”; “o” and “u”.

d. Not uniform in recording tones: the dissertation studied the

inconsistency in writing tidle bar, question mark in comparison

with other tone bars.

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3.2.3.2. Not uniform in vocabulary

The process of nationalizing the language of place

names with original ethnic minority elements has

transformed the original place names into Vietnamese. As we

all know, there are certain differences between ethnic

minority languages and Vietnamese. Moreover, in

communication, the original place names and the ones

translated into Vietnamese are simultaneously used. Thus,

the transformation of the original place names in Tuyen

Quang has made them inconsistent in terms of vocabulary.

3.3. Some causes and solutions

3.3.1. Reasons for misspellings

3.3.1.1. Phonetics: Local phonetics is one of the most important

reasons for inconsistent spelling

a. Duplication of meanings: When there is phonetics and

transliteration of place names originated in ethnic minority

languages into Vietnamese, the phenomenon of duplication in

meaning happens. In addition, the translation of place names has

made some different, even far from the original ones.

b. The habit of shortening words: The habit of “saving” language is

the cause of the place name reduction phenomenon. This is

shortening original place names after being translated into

Vietnamese. In addition, the reduction occurs with place names

including two or more than two words. Words that emphasize

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the nature and characteristics of the object are kept; the common

words are often shortened.

3.3.2. Solutions

3.3.2.1. Some rules

a. Ensure the proper meaning of the place names

b. Follow the writing of national language

c. Ensure the habit of language community

3.3.3.2. Specific solutions

a. Writing the initial sounds: in Tay-Nung language, if consonants

like “mj”, “bj”, “phj”, “pj” are followed by “i”, they will be

transformed into “b”, “m”, “p”, “ph” (softening). Using “ph” in

Vietnamese to replace “f” in Tay; use “s” to replace “sl”; in the

Tay-Nung language, there is no affricate sound like in

Vietnamese, so we recommend using “ch” instead of “tr” in Tay,

Nung.

b. Writing consonant sounds: In Tay language, the consonant /w/

is written in form of letter “o” or “u”, like in Vietnamese.

c. Writing vowel sounds: there is difference in writing vowel

sounds in place names. In the standardization of place names, it

is necessary to use the letters or combination of letters in

Vietnamese script to write the corresponding vowels or vowels

with a close reading of the original names.

d. Writing final sounds: the final sound “ư” in Tay language needs

to be replaced by “u”. In addition, the consonant /j/ in Tay-Nung

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language is written by “i” in the final sound if it is preceded by

long sounds; or written by “y” if preceded by short vowels “â, a, ă,

o”. It is necessary to transcribe these place names in accordance

with spelling rules in Vietnamese.

e. Writing tone/rhythm: When transcribing place names from Tay

in Vietnamese, the punctuation system of the national language

shall be used so that it can simulate relatively the tone of the

syllables in the Tay language.

f. Comments on place names in the transcription list

We have recommended consistent writing in Vietnamese

for about 382 cases. In general, if this issue is resolved, the way

of writing place name in Tay, Nung will gradually be unified in

spelling.

3.4. Summary

Through the research on 1176 place names originated

in ethnic minority languages in Tuyen Quang province, the

dissertation has documented 382 cases of inconsistent names

(32.48%), thereby suggesting specific measures so that these

names could be used properly and uniformly. Here are some

remarks:

The way of writing place names originated in ethnic

minority languages in Tuyen Quang province is not uniform

in two aspects: phonetics and vocabulary. For the above

situtation, dealing with place names originated in ethnic

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minority languages has become urgent. Therefore, such

principles of transcription as: ensuring the semantic

correctness of the place names, following the spelling of the

national language, ensuring the habit of language community

must be done to standardize the those place names, and

facilitate the communication.

With the above principles, the selection of solutions

to transcribe place names with original element in ethnic

minority languages into Vietnamese should be applied to

each specific case in accordance with the standards of

Vietnamese spelling.

However, it is necessary to reserve original place names

which have long history, high historical or cultural value

attached to the ethnic minorities in Tuyen Quang or to the

process of national history, or non-standard place names

compared to popular language but consistent with the habit of

the resident community. These names are the "stela" in language,

reflecting the history and culture of the nation, and they exist in

their own rules.

CONCLUSION

The research on place names with original elements of

ethnic minority languages in Tuyen Quang province has given

informative results in many aspects. This area is rich in history

with the tradition of the revolutionary countryside. We have

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presented composition, nomination measures, reflective values

of place names originated in ethnic minority languages in Tuyen

Quang; found out the causes and proposed initial solutions to

promote the uniform use of those names.

1. Of 1176 place names originated in ethnic minority

languages in Tuyen Quang, the dissertation focused the most on

natural geographical place names with 481 names, about 40,9%.

These names temporily appears on the map, but exist in informal

communication among ethnic minorities; the second place is the

village name with 449 places, accounting for 38.18%. The man-

made group accounts for 246 names, about 20.92%.

2. In terms of composition, original place names in the

ethnic minority languages in Tuyen Quang province have

complex structure. The structure of those place names include

common and individual elements. The ethnic minority factor

exists in both types of elements. Common elements stand before

the individual ones and become the definite factors for

geographical objects. The common elements have flexible

operation in the toponym complexus because they have the

ability to transform into place names in different position. When

place names containing common elements are transformed, they

generate others which have hierarchical, integrated structure.

The place names originated in ethnic minority languages

in Tuyen Quang province include 53 common elements, in which

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geographical elements are the majority (with 30 elements), and

mainly single-structure elements. Thus, the common element can

be transformed into individual ones, mainly in the first position

of the individual elements. In the population based and man-

made place names, the number of common elements is small (15

common elements). The common elements in ethnic minority

languages have 33 units, and they are commonly transformed

into individual elements in the complexus.

Individual elements in place names originated in the

ethnic minority langauges in Tuyen Quang province have two

types of structure: single and complex. Therein, the complex

structure with two syllables are majority. In terms of syntax,

individual elements with complex structure have coordinated,

superordinate-subordinate, and subject-predicate relations, in

which the superordinate-subordinate relation is the majority

(84.37%). The major factors in individual elements are usually

nouns, some of which are elements themselves, some of which

are derived from the common elements. The most popular

model is "n{ + x" (162 cases), followed by the "pù + x", "khau +

x" models.

3. Regarding nomination measures, there are two

methods of generating ethnic minority-origin place names in

Tuyen Quang province, which are new creation and

transformation. The former method has two main bases, features

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of the geographical places, and features related to those places.

The latter method has caused many of the common elements to

be transcribed into individual ones in the place names. This

occurs quite commonly in place names with ethnic elements

Tuyen Quang province when the popularization of national

language has made many elements redundant such as mountain

+ pù / khau / pja (mountain) + individual element; Stream +

khuổi (streams) + individual element, etc. These place names

include one syllable. This is also related to the case that one place

name contains different types. With the same place name, but

simultaneously created for mountain (pù), for stream (khuổi), for

village (bản), and for those related to bridge, dam. It is both

internal transcription of place name and transformation between

different types of place name as well. This method is consistent

with saving language and the easy-to-understand principle in the

place names originated in the ethnic minority languages in

Tuyen Quang province. This issue is similar with place names

originated in ethnic minority languages in other regions in

Vietnam.

4. In the aspect of semantics, place names originated in

ethnic minority langauges are similar to words in meaning,

but that meaning is always reasoning. The reasoning may be

prescribed by the nominated objects in terms of prediction, or

recognizable features related to those objects. Reasoning

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place names often have clear meaning. With unclear ones, the

study on place name transformation will help identify the

meaning more easily. However, this is a complex and

sophisticated work. The meanings of ethnic minority-

originated place names indicate the origin of the place in

order to understand its geographical, historical, cultural and

ethnic characteristics.

5. Regarding the relationship between place names and

culture: place name is a part of linguistics, therefore, it has organic

relation with culture. Place names originated in ethnic minority

langauges are also influenced by cultural factors. This is

expressed in names connotating cultural meanings, the human

clues in a certain historical context. There exists close relation

between the groups of meanings that the place names reflect

and the cultural characteristics expressed in those names. It,

thereby, shows the features of geography, history, religion,

beliefs, aspirations and psychological behaviors of people

reflected in those names.

Place names originated in ethnic minority langauges in

Tuyen Quang province can also reflect the exchange of

language-culture with other groups of people in the region.

That is reflected in the borrowing or the influence of

languages in the nomination. Place names originated in ethnic

minority langauges are recognized through language layers of

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the native ethnic minority people, other ethnic minorities,

Kinh people. Place names originated in ethnic minority

langauges are subjected to this interaction, which can be

popularized by Kinh language (partially or completely) in

terms of phonetics or semantics. It is the very contact that

causes many place names to be inconsistent.

6. The popularization of national language into place

names originated from ethnic minority languages had been

carried out years before the August Revolution 1945, espcially in

the 1960s. However, these place names have not been uniform

upto present. The practical use of inconsistent place names in

Tuyen Quang province accounts for 382 cases (about 34,48%), in

both vocabulary (109 cases, 28,53%) and phonetics (273 cases,

71,47%). Among those place names, the inconsistency focuses on

the way of reading, writing syllables. Many places have different

names and are divided into two categories: ones that are not

much different from the original names (different in one

composition), and ones that are much different from the original

names (change the whole name).

Inconsistencies in the way of writing, reading place

names have many causes, including linguistic, social and

historical causes. The main reason comes from differences in

phonetics, vocabulary between ethnic minority languages and

Vietnamese language. In order to unify use of place names, the

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dissertation provides a number of principles and suggested

solutions to transform place names, in which the semantic

features of original names are secured, ore close to the spelling

of the national language and consistent with the habit the

community. When ethnic minority place names are transcribed

into Vietnamese, they must be consistent with the script

Vietnamese language. For the initial consonant clusters, vowels,

final consonants, tone bars not including in Vietnamese spelling,

choose the nearly correct pronunciation to write the place names

originated from the ethnic minority languages. The results will

contribute to the uniform use of place names to ensure fast and

accurate information, consistent with the nomination practices

of the resident people and spelling in Vietnamese language.

These are contributions to the studies on place names, language

and culture of the area.