Place Names of Canada - Softcover

Rayburn, Alan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195431537 ISBN 13: 9780195431537

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2009

Synopsis

From Abbey, SK, to Zurich, ON, this unique dictionary includes over 6200 Canadian place names. Canada's diversity is marked not just by people but by geography; this richness is reflected in names of cities, villages, rivers, lakes, mountains, and parks. And the names reflect a range of languages including Cree, Inuit, French, Gaelic, Spanish, Portuguese, Mi'kmaq, and Basque. Alan Rayburn's witty and highly readable entries reveal the origins of these names-from local history to military events to bizarre geographical features. An important reference handbook, a fascinating tour guide, and a history of the local all in one, this intriguing dictionary uncovers a great deal about Canada's cultural and linguistic heritage. A book that remains as full of surprises as ever (Canada narrowly escaped being named Acadia, Borealia, or Transatlantica, for example), this new edition updates the successful first edition, including the names of newly created regions such as Nunavut. New material includes a revised preface, selected references, and new introduction.

About this title

About the Author

Alan Rayburn was the Executive Secretary of the Canadian Permanent Committee on Geographical Names from 1973 to 1987. He also served as the Rapporteur to the United Nations Group of Experts on the Standardization of Geographical Names.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0195431537
• ISBN 13: 9780195431537
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 344