Linguistic and cultural features of phraseological units containing French toponyms in the French language

Abstract

This article focuses on phraseological units containing French toponyms. The object of the study is French phraseological units, and the subject is the specific use of toponyms within them. We examine phraseological units as a reflection of national and cultural specificity, emphasizing their role in shaping the cultural code of native speakers. Particular attention is paid to the way French toponyms are integrated into set expressions and the semantic and cultural connotations they carry. The phraseological units under consideration are divided into three groups: phraseological units containing the toponym “France”; phraseological units containing the names of French regions; and phraseological units containing the names of French cities and communes. The article analyzes their origins, historical and cultural context, and semantic features. The examples provided demonstrate the richness and multilayered nature of the French language and reflect the historical and cultural consciousness of its speakers. We see how toponyms can transcend geography, becoming semiotic signs of cultural, political, and social identity. The conducted research demonstrates the importance of the interdisciplinary approach in linguistics that combines grammar, semantics, history, and cultural studies, since French phraseological units-toponyms are cultural markers that carry lexical-semantic, stylistic, and historical load. The methods used in the article are determined by the nature of the research material: We used a descriptive method, as well as semantic, etymological and linguocultural analyses.