Nicknames as a fragment of the language picture of the world of the Crimean Tatars

The research focuses on nicknames sourced from our survey, as well as on those received from Crimean Tatar periodical press through which this type of anthroponyms have been studied, interpreted and systematized. The purpose of the study is to select, systematize and etymologically analyze Crimean Tatar nicknames used in various regions of the Crimean Peninsula. The features leading to denomination are: appearance and other physiological characteristics, profession, personality and the deeds of a person. Such characteristics as historical data on the origin of the family (the name of a clan or tribe), the social status, faith of a person have less likely been a reason for nicknaming. The article considers nicknames of noble people (e.g. Crimean khans and the family name, nickname derivatives of clans having a different status) as well as nicknames given to common folk, and describes their evaluative component. Besides the tradition of people nicknaming, villages were also awarded nicknames. The structure and meaning of nicknames differed within the dialects of the Crimean Tatar language. At the same time, there used to be nicknames common to all regions of the peninsula. Crimean Tatar nicknames have both clear and vague etymology. The research provides with a more detailed classification of Crimean Tatar nicknames. An attempt has been made to give an etymological interpretation of individual nicknames and determine their dialect.