The NGI and the RCTD celebrate a partnership dedicated to toponymy

This year, the Royal Commission for Toponymy and Dialectology (RCTD) is celebrating its centenary. This special milestone was celebrated on Saturday 17 October at the Royal Stables.

As a partner of the RCTD since 1947 (following a decision taken at the Second International Congress on Toponymy and Anthropology), the NGI, which is itself celebrating its 50th anniversary, took part in the anniversary event.

Both organisations play a central role in the standardisation and management of Belgian place names. By combining the RCTD’s scientific, linguistic and historical expertise with the NGI’s expertise in the collection, management, standardisation and representation of geographical names, they ensure consistent naming practices across the entire territory.

The various speakers from the RCTD, along with Administrator General Ingrid Vanden Berghe and Head of the Toponymy Department Jeanne Henrion from the NGI, discussed toponymy and the role of their organisations from their respective perspectives. Although both organisations fulfil distinct roles, they share the conviction that place names are more than just names: they form part of our heritage, enhance our understanding of our territory and are linked to the communities that live there.

Following the presentations, interested attendees had the opportunity to network and learn about the NGI’s products and services, as well as how the RCTD operates.

Would you like to find out more about the NGI’s role in toponymy? https://ngi.be/de-rol-van-het-ngi-in-het-beheer-van-geografische-namen/ (page in Dutch).