Metro station names as a tool for discursive impact: based on the French metro systems

The paper compares the nomination principles of metro stations in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. The empirical database covers 374 metro station names (305 in Paris, 40 in Lyon, and 29 in Marseille). Station names are studied along different axes. The initial analysis takes city geography into account; it appears that the majority of stations are given names following the names of surrounding urban spaces. Attention is then paid to the etymology of station names. The article elaborates on how metro station names, in addition to their fundamental role of localization in the city space, turn out to be “soft power” tools promoting ideologies and contributing to the preservation of national and local identity. The author shows that metro station nomination principles vary depending on the administrative status of the region. The metro in the capital promotes the idea of national greatness and highlights the special role of France in the world history as an originator of numerous military victories, the homeland of world-famous personalities and the bearer of universal political ideals and values. Paris appears in the names of its metro stations as the world capital, creative, international city advocating fundamental democratic principles. Regional metro systems reflect the main components of regional identity directly related to local history. The Lyon metro becomes an instrument of self-presentation and emphasizes personalities and events promoting the city beyond its limits. The Marseille metro essentially appeals to city residents and seeks to remind of the glorious pages of their common past.