ETYMOLOGY, WORD-FORMATIVE AND PRAGMATIC PECULIARITIES OF OFICCIAL CAR NAMES

Abstract

The problems associated with the cars’ nomination are considered in this article. The etymology and derivation of their names are analyzed. Also functional and pragmatic aspects of the appearance of automobile items are considered. Derivative names of car and bus models are identified. It is found out that derivative words are created with abbreviative and lexical-semantic methods. Non-derivative official car names are derived from the surname of the founder, designer or certain historical figure (Opel, Maybach, Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Maserati, Peugeot, Citroёn, Renault, Ford, Dodge etc.). Etymology of certain car brands such as Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Pininfarina, Alfa Romeo and Cadillac is analyzed in details. There are names of car brands which consist information about the geographic location of the company (Pontiac, Dacia, Aston Martin). Some names appeared due to subjective aspects of the nomination (Mitsubishi, Volvo, Hyundai, Volkswagen). Etymology of such names is known to consumers and specialists only partly. Car names can be divided into indicatory (BMW, Ford), functional (Volkswagen, Land Cruiser), rational (Lexus) and emotional (Jaguar, Infiniti).

Keywords

• прагмонім
• етимологія
• творення
• офіційна назва
• прагматичне спрямування