Sozio- und pragmaonomastische Implikationen der Benennungspraxis am Beispiel der Christiana von Goethe

Abstract

This paper takes a closer look at different contemporary and historical modes of naming, which are used to refer to well-known historical figures, focussing especially on women. Mainly based on the example of Christiana von Goethe (née Vulpius), social and pragmatic dimensions of divers naming practices are discussed. Therefore, using different names is not only essential for reference and identification but also depends on the speaker’s/sender’s objectives speaking/writing about the historical figure. A specific mode of naming, e.g. using a pet name or using only a person’s surname, can express closeness and distance, intimacy and reticence, respect and affection, but also degradation and disregard. Concerning the naming of well-known German women of the 18th century, conventions evolved which also serve as a base of present-day usage. Examining the self-reference of Christiana von Goethe compared to the modes of naming in modern biographies show inconsistencies and partly even contradictions, mostly due to the change of name after marriage or remarriage. Furthermore, differences between naming practices referring to women and men are investigated.