Methodology for Identifying Erroneous Entries of Karelian Toponyms in the Automated State Catalogue of Geographic Names

Abstract

The paper presents a developed methodology for identifying erroneous entries of Karelian toponyms in the аutomated State Catalogue of Geographic Names. The relevance of this study is determined by the importance of toponyms, which play a key role in revealing and preserving linguistic diversity as a cultural and historical heritage, as well as by the need for their correct use in various spheres of public life. The article presents key approaches to correcting errors and inaccuracies in the spelling of Baltic-Finnish (Karelian and Vepsian) place name. These approaches are based on a comparison of the data from the аutomated State Catalogue of Geographic Names with field records and Russian cartographic materials. Special attention is given to the problems of spelling non-Russian names and to their adaptation to the Russian toponymic system. In addition, the stages of error detection are described, starting from the collection of initial data and ending with the creation of electronic databases, such as the geographic information resource TopKar (Toponymy of Karelia), which help integrate toponymic data in the official Russian toponymic system and facilitate further research. The main conclusions confirm the presence of significant errors and inaccuracies in the spellings of Karelian toponyms, which requires a systematic approach and the development of standard instructions for the correct entry of toponyms into official registers. The study highlights the importance of preserving the toponymic heritage for future generations and its significance for interdisciplinary research in the fields of history, ethnography and linguistics. The article contains recommendations for further investigation and correction of errors, which is a step towards a more accurate reflection of the toponymic landscape of the Republic of Karelia, in particular, on its Karelian-speaking territory.