A Lexical Analysis in Terms of Ergonomics/Institutionyms: Turkish and German University Names

In today’s diverse and complex world, naming plays a vital role in communication, preventing confusion and establishing clarity. Researchers in the field of onomastics, a sub-discipline of linguistics, have taken an interest in understanding the significance of names and their underlying meanings. Institutionyms, a sub-branch of ergonomics, specifically analyze the names of all human-created objects, with a focus on institutions/organizations. This study examines the naming process of Turkish and German universities through comprehensive document analysis. The findings revealed intriguing differences in the types of names used by Turkish and German universities, including geographical elements, personal names/surnames/titles, specialization, mission, important dates and event names, and history-related names, compared to German universities. The study offers valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and researchers in understanding the cultural and historical contexts that naming practices can influence. The findings also reveal that there are notable cultural differences in the preference for personal names, with Turkish universities placing more emphasis on this category. Furthermore, German universities focused on using names related to local and national history and events. In contrast, Turkish universities prioritize these types of names, often incorporating them to reflect the heritage and identity of the region or country in which they are located. In conclusion, this study highlights the significance of naming and the impact of cultural and historical contexts on the process and offers valuable insights for researchers, educators, and policymakers.