eLIBRARY ID: 8377
ISSN: 2074-1588
Recieved: 04/11/2026
Published: 06/08/2026
Keywords: proper name, interpreting function, interpreting-inferential analysis, cognitive theory of language
DOI Number: 10.55959/MSU-2074-1588-19-29-3-11
Available online: 29.08.2026
Robustova V.V. Interpretive function of language as presented in proper names. // Moscow University Bulletin. Series 19. Linguistics and Intercultural Communication 2026. Vol. 29. Issue 3. 162-178 https://doi.org/10.55959/MSU-2074-1588-19-29-3-11.

The article examines proper names as a means of linguistic interpretation of the world and secondary interpretation of knowledge about the world, explicates the role of human knowledge and its influence on the process of formation and transmission of a certain meaning with the help of onyms, emphasizes the role of inferential knowledge, linguistic and non-linguistic experience in the formation and transmission of meanings presented in the semantics of the name. The study introduces the author's concept of the interpretative semantics of proper names. Using interpretative-inferential analysis, the implementation of the inferential type of interpretant is considered, which implies the mandatory presence of derived knowledge that is required to understand and interpret the meaning objectified by proper names. The interpretative potential of onym is presented as its ability to form and convey different meanings through various ways of interpreting general knowledge about the subjects/objects of nomination. The boundaries of the onym's interpretative potential are determined by the relationship between collective knowledge and the models of its interpretation in an individual's consciousness, based on their linguistic and non-linguistic experiences. The article explores the implementation of the interpretative semantics of proper names in various cognitive contexts and identifies the cognitive models underlying interpretative activities. It demonstrates that the interpretative component becomes part of both the semantic structure of proper names and their comprehension during their functioning.