Toponymic derivatives in the dialects of West Polesie

Abstract

The author takes the view that a full description of toponymic derivatives in West-Polesian dialects requires that all toponymic derivational series and the variance phenomenon be taken into consideration.
Toponymic derivational series are groups of derivative lexemes that form specific formal-semantic relations. The basic unit of such a derivational series is the toponym which determines the semantics of individual elements in the series.  
The analysis of the material shows that in the formation of toponymic derivatives the crucial role is played by the grammatical gender of a toponym and the character of its root word.
The article distinguishes toponymic derivational series which consist of five elements: toponym, tononymic adjective, the name of inhabitant in the plural, the name of inhabitant in the masculine gender, and the name of inhabitant in the feminine gender.