Street Names and Identity. Official Naming in a European Capital of Culture

Abstract

Street names are links to the past. The semantic content of many names reflects historical traditions and various cultural aspects of the urban area, sometimes also of the nation and the international community. As appointed European capital of culture in 2008, Stavanger (Southwest-Norway) and the neighbouring city Sandnes have made commitments to promote cultural heritage and regional identity. The street names of the two cities reflect historical traditions, activities, events and development of mentality, as well as characteristic features in the local dialect. With some exceptions the names seem to help promote cultural curiosity and create regional identity, and may thus be said to match the vision, values and goals of the Stavanger 2008 cultural programme.