TOPONYMY OR TOPONIMICS - AN EXAMPLE

 

Toponymy is the study of toponyms or place names. It is a fascinating subject and an aid to history and language. I will mention the prefix "beni" as an example. If you visit Valencia and its environs, in Spain, you will notice that many towns are named "beni": Benidorm, Benicassim, Benicarló, Benifayó, Benimaclet, Benimamet, and more. The entire region is dotted with towns and villages bearing the prefix "beni." It originates from the Arabic banu, meaning "sons of" or "those from," which testifies to the early colonization of the Arabs, specifically the Moors, who invaded Spain in 711. They were expelled in 1492 by Isabella and Fernando. Toponymy remains, and if you do not believe so, go to California, Texas, or Florida, and you´ll see.