Geographical Names and Place Identity in the Slovenian Alps

Geographical names are part of intangible cultural heritage, which communities, groups, and individuals pass on from one generation to another and perpetually reproduce in response to their environment, nature, and history. In mountainous areas, geographical names were very important in the past mainly for three reasons. The first one was orientation in the area, especially for hunters, shepherds, and others living in alpine areas. The second reason is the expression of the national consciousness. Slovenians tried to fight against German influence through geographical names. The third reason is related to natural phenomena, which are mirrored through geographical names. These can be natural disasters, geographical features, and so on, which help in reconstructing landscapes from the past.