This paper explores the identity of Bình Dương Province through its place names, highlighting how these names reflect the region's historical, cultural, and economic transformation. Bình Dương, once a primarily agricultural province, has experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization; and how the evolution of place names mirrors these shifts, encapsulating themes of resilience, pride, and modernity in the province’s identity. Applying the Toponymic Analysis method to analyze the etymology, origin, and meaning of 3,462 toponymic words consisting of 4,155 subtypes of place names discovered in 91 communes and wards of Binh Duong province, the findings reveal that place names in Bình Dương not only serve as geographical markers but also function as symbols of Binh Duong identity. The place names are often closely tied to the region’s geography; reflect the rich cultural mix of its inhabitants; carry traces of colonial influence; have presented political and economic changes; serve to unify its population, invoking themes of strength, resilience, and local pride, equality. This research implies that toponymy is a powerful tool for understanding social and cultural identity of a place.
Publication Information
Publisher
Thu Dau Mot University, Viet Nam
Editor-in-Chief
Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Van Hiep Thu Dau Mot University
Editorial Board
Assoc. Prof. Le Tuan Anh Thu Dau Mot University
PhD. Nguyen Quoc Cuong Thu Dau Mot University
PhD. Doan Ngoc Xuan Thu Dau Mot University
PhD. Nguyen Khoa Truong An Thu Dau Mot University
Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thanh Binh Thu Dau Mot University
PhD. Le Thi Thuy Dung Thu Dau Mot University
PhD. Ngo Hong Diep Thu Dau Mot University
PhD. Nguyen Duc Dat Duc Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade
Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Van Duc Animal Husbandry Association of Vietnam
PhD. Nguyen Thi Nhat Hang Department of Education and Training of Binh Duong Province
PhD. Nguyen Thi Cam Le Vietnam Aviation Academy
PhD. Trần Hạnh Minh Phương Thu Dau Mot University
M.A. Pham Van Thinh Thu Dau Mot University
PhD. Nguyen Thi Lien Thuong Thu Dau Mot University