The Names of Omani Towns Changed by the Late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, May God Rest His Soul A Descriptive and Analytical Linguistic Study

This research aimed to trace the names of Omani towns changed by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said during his time. The research was based on the idea that names contribute to the development of countries. It gathered linguistic material from various sources to answer two central questions: Was this change necessary? And how was it carried out? The work was divided into two sections. First, an exploratory study of the need for change and the reasons behind it. Second, a list of these towns using a lexicographic and semantic analysis approach. The research concluded with several key findings. The most important reason for the change was the tackiness of meaning. This degradation manifests in four forms related to lack of harmony related to civilizational, developmental, religious, and social factors. As well as linguistic meaning due to the association of some terms with incomprehensible South Arabian languages. The change occurred based on principles such an event that happened in the town, or making slight alterations in pronunciation while preserving its weight, tone, and rhyme, changing by introducing the antonyms, or changing to suit the location. This change has been achieved by replacing words that convey optimism and are acceptable by the local people.