Geographical names, as a means of expressing identification, location, possession, belonging, division, and respect for peoples’ culture.

Toponyms have the primary functions of identification and localization eliminating any ambiguity in indicating a specific part of the Earth, and they have the power to transform a space into a place. More precisely, place names start the transformation of a space into a place, lived in and/or frequented by one or more groups of people. This transformation imbues the place with increasing meaning as knowledge grows and experiences accumulate. In such places, individuals develop a sense of belonging, establish emotional connections, and build what we call “identity”. Although this term is sometimes overused today, there is no doubt that there is a relationship between places and individuals in the formation of self-awareness, personal history, distinctive traits, and a sense of belonging to both a social group and the place itself. However, the term “identity” can be problematic when it implies belonging and possession. This can lead to extreme nostalgic feelings among native people, sometimes resulting in the irrational glorification of the vaguely known past. It can also lead to the spread of clichés that gratuitously attribute identity characteristics to places and entire social groups based solely on banal preconceived stereotypes. Additionally, the use of names linked to colonialism, slavery, or those that express derogatory, belittling, contemptuous, dishonourable, offensive, injurious, defamatory, or scurrilous adjectives can be harmful to the construction of peaceful coexistence between people belonging to different groups or nationalities. The multifaceted nature of toponyms therefore also takes on a particular moral relevance. They can become agents of values and disvalues, precisely because they express identification, location, possession, belonging, division, and respect for people’s cultures. All this underscores the need to consider the power of place names and to develop a toponymic ethical code. This code should incorporate the recommendations of the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names, as well as the experiences of countries that have already undertaken similar initiatives. The aim is to provide public institutions that exercise onomaturgical functions with general principles, based on respect for the environment, people and their cultures.