The management of place names (geographical names, toponyms) is a fundamental element of heritage and language management. These names derive from all languages spoken in the country now and in the past, and cut across linguistic boundaries, involving the implementation of diverse and sometimes conflicting orthographic rules.

Geographical names are essential elements in effective communication, such as.

• in cartography (a map is meaningless without names);
• administration and governance;
• cultural heritage promotion;
• economic development;
• environmental management;
• communication systems, postal and other deliveries;
• travel, transportation, and tourism;
• disaster management and emergency services coordination;
• peace-keeping, safety, and security;
• education and science;
• global media, etc.

Place names represent the largest and most significant component of the common or shared heritage of a nation. They incorporate and preserve the history, culture, and identity of the people, and reflect the nation's image as well. Place names in South Africa are specifically relevant because of the changing toponymic landscape resulting from the implementation of the South African Geographical Names Council Act of 1998; the social, political, and linguistic implications of name changes that have been and are being affected; and the ramifications of the requirements of relevant clauses in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

The Dictionary of Southern African Place Names is one of the products that stems from research within the toponymic field. An Afrikaans translation with updates is available as Plekname van Suider-Afrika. A mobile app based on the content of the Dictionary, with the addition of selected SASL equivalents, is now available. Our department hosts the long-standing biennial International Symposium on Place Names, followed by DHET-accredited publications. Our focus on signed toponymy is evident in our research projects on SASL place names.

Publications

• Du Plessis T & Loth C. 2025. Transforming the Linguistic Landscape of South Africa - more of the same? In D. Gorter, & J. Cenoz (Eds). The Handbook of Linguistic Landscapes and Multilingualism. Hoboken: Wiley, pp. 355-374.
• Raper PE. 2025. Boesman-invloed op Afrikaanse plekname
  Siyavoshi S & Sibanda P. 2024. Urban Toponymy in South African Sign Language (SASL): Patterns and Variations. Sign Language Studies 24(4): 942-960. https://doi.org/10.1353/sls.2024.a936338.
• Raper PE, Möller LA & Du Plessis LT. 2020. Plekname van Suider-Afrika
• Möller LA. 2017. Of the Same Beath. Indigenous Animal and Place Names
  
• Raper PE, Möller LA & Du Plessis LT. 2014. Dictionary of Southern African Place Names
  

Proceedings of the International Symposium on Place Names

• 2023 (in development): The presence of minority and indigenous languages in urban naming

• 2021: Standardisation and the Wealth of Place Names: Aspects of a Delicate Relationship

• 2019: Recognition, Regulation, Revitalisation: Place Names and Indigenous Languages

• 2017: Critical toponomy: Place names in political, historical and commercial landscape

• 2015: Place names, diversity and heritage

• 2013: Place names in a multilingual society

• 2011: Planning name changes – the quest for authenticity

Research data collection

Loth C, Van Staden A, Lombaard S, De Lange J, Matabane E, Sibanda P, Siyavoshi S, De Villiers K, Simelane N, Le Roux A, Mapeshoane M, Motshoeneng G, Wright D, Du Plessis T, Kotoyi A. 2025. South African Sign Language (SASL) Place Names. University of the Free State. Collection. https://ufs.figshare.com/collections/South_African_Sign_Language_SASL_Place_Names/7886741

Our Places mobile application

A product from our research projects on place names. Both versions available for Android on Google Play Store.

• Our Places (free)
• Our Places Pro (paid)