Nimekasutuses

Nimekasutuses is a term used in linguistics to describe how names are used in language. It covers the selection, spelling, inflection, and broader function of proper names in discourse, as well as the social and cultural meanings embedded in their use. The concept encompasses both personal names and toponyms, as well as brand names and institutional titles.

Orthography and morphology are central aspects. Proper names are written with initial capital letters, and diacritics are typically preserved in Estonian and many other languages. Names can also be inflected to mark grammatical case, number, and other grammatical relations, which affects how they appear in sentences and in appositive structures. Borrowed or foreign names may undergo orthographic adaptation to fit the phonology and spelling conventions of the language.

Pragmatics and syntax examine how names function in actual communication. Names can serve as subjects or objects, be used in direct address, or appear in appositive phrases. The choice of name form (full name, given name, nickname, honorific) can signal levels of formality, familiarity, respect, or social distance, and may reflect identity, group membership, or stance.

Sociolinguistic variation is a key area of study within nimekasutuses. Name usage may vary by age, gender, region, ethnicity, or social context, and it can carry evaluative meanings. In addition, nimekasutus informs lexicography, translation, branding, and stylistic guidelines, influencing how names are standardized, translated, or adapted for different audiences.