Obraz społeczności i kultury wiejskiej w historycznej mikrotoponimii Śląska

The author of the article examines the cognitive values of Silesia’s historical microtoponymy. The article is based on the names published in Słownik etymologiczny nazw geographicznych Śląska (Etymological dictionary of geographical names in Silesia). The analysed microtyponyms are a source of information about the life and work of people living in the region, about its natural environment, culture and language. An analysis of field names makes it possible to present some elements of the rural image of the world. It comprises names indicating the natural form of the landscape, forests and woodland areas, names of plants, wild animals, names associated with agriculture, with spiritual culture and customs. Most of the analysed names reflect the features of the Silesian local dialect.