地名，因具有对指称区域的地形地貌、方位距离、调查历程、历史渊源等进行概述、描写的功能，而承载了科学及社会意义，具有鲜明的地域特征和别样的文化内涵。南极地名是基于对南极地理环境全面深入科学考察而进行的，是考察成果的直观体现。又因为它承载着命名国家和民族的主流价值观，因此南极地名从来都不只是客观描述地理实体语言符号，它更是历史的见证，也是各国彰显南极科学考察实力、展现南极实际存在的重要手段。英国是历史上第一批实施南极考察的国家之一，也是首先对南极领土提出主权要求的国家。虽然在《南极条约》的体系框架下英国回缩了其军事力量，但并未放弃对南极的主权要求，地名命名便是其南极战略实施的重要手段之一。英国在南极地名命名领域建立的管理机制、标准规范以及地名成果，十分值得我国借鉴参考。
Place names have the function of
summarizing and describing the topography, azimuth and distance, investigation
process and historical origin of the reference area, bearing scientific and
social significance and having distinct regional characteristics and different
cultural connotations. Antarctic place names are based on a comprehensive and
in-depth scientific investigation of the Antarctic geographical environment,
which is the intuitive embodiment of the investigation results. And because it
carries the mainstream values of naming countries and nations, the Antarctic
place name is never only an objective description of the geographical entity
language symbols, but also a witness of history, and an important means for
countries to show the strength of Antarctic scientific
investigation and show the actual existence of Antarctica. Britain was one of
the first countries to carry out Antarctic exploration, and also was the
first country to claim Antarctic territory. Although under the framework of the
Antarctic Treaty, Britain has shrunk its military power, it has not given up
its claim to the Antarctic territory. Place name is one of the important ways. The
management mechanism and the standards established by the UK in the field of
Antarctic toponym, and the place name achievements are worth learning for
China.
