Tendencias generales en la toponimia del norte grande de Chile

Abstract

In this paper, the author examines the most salient features of the prevalence o.f indigenous backgrounds in the toponymy of Northernmost Chile, an aspect barely tackled, or simply neglected, in the descriptions of Chilean Spanish. The author reviews terms suclz as Arica, Chañaral, Iquique, Taltal, Tocopilla, Chuquicamata, Andes, Antofagasta, Calama, Pica, Loa, and others. Also, sorne explanations are offered that may justify the notorious presence of native placenames, in spite ofjive centuries of Spanish domination