Dear Distinguished Colleagues!
Following Matjaž Geršič’s presentation, I would also like to take this opportunity in the newsletter to introduce myself to all of you as the new Co-chair of the Joint ICA/IGU Commission on Toponymy, on behalf of the International Geographical Union. As a first step, I believe it is necessary to thank my predecessor, Cosimo Palagiano, for the excellent work carried out during their term and for the promising prospects they have opened up for the future. I would also like to express my gratitude to those who have entrusted me with this role. Finally, I would like to thank Matjaž Geršič for providing this space for my introduction; I am excited to begin this new journey together. A few words about myself: I am a historical geographer and a professor at the University of Trento (Italy). I believe that Trentino, historically a border area between different worlds and cultural areas, with a long history of toponymic layering, is a perfect example of the complexity, but also the fascination, of studying place names. The themes, approaches, and research interests involved in the study of toponymy are numerous, just as there are many different perspectives that animate this commission. In particular, I hope that in the future, some strategic research avenues may open up, such as the one that connects toponymy and migrations, or the study, recovery, and enhancement of historical toponymy, which serves both as a source for studying the relationship between society and space and as intangible cultural heritage in its own right. In conclusion, I can only welcome Matjaž’s invitations for closer integration and fruitful scientific exchange within our community. For this reason, I hope there will be many opportunities to meet in person, in the form of conferences, seminars, and panels, and I will personally commit to organizing some of these, in the hope of meeting and greeting you all.
Elena Dai Prà