A Dictionary of Canadian Place Names - Softcover

Rayburn, Alan

9780195431537: A Dictionary of Canadian Place Names

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195431537 ISBN 13: 9780195431537

Publisher: Oxford University Press, Canada, 2009

From Abbey SK to Zurich ON, this unique dictionary includes over 6,200 Canadian place names. Canada's diversity is marked not just 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 reveals 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 of the local all in one, this intruiging 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 book updates the successful first edition.

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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.

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