COGNITIVE CULTURE OF NATURAL ENVIRONMENT THROUGH GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES IN CAN THO CITY

Abstract

The expansion of reclamation work to the South and agricultural production activities in the Southwest region in general and Can Tho in particular since the 17th century has fundamentally changed the natural landscape  in this land, and also this has had a strong impact on the perception of local people in many ways which are quite clearly shown through the geographical names in Can Tho. The cognitive culture about the natural environment through geographical names in Can Tho City is partly reflected in the geographical names that related to accumulated experiences of local people about the river environment, terrestrial flora and fauna system, and residence selection. Based on the application of the theory of cultural linguistics, the theory of cultural regions, especially the natural characteristics of Can Tho, the article focuses on understanding the manifestations of cognitive cultural elements about the natural environment through geographical names, thereby contributing to affirming the indigenous knowledge of the people of this region.