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Article published In: International Journal of Language and Culture
Vol. 10:1 (2023) ► pp.87–114

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Mabia languages and cultures expressed through personal names

ORCiD logo with link | University of Ghana
 | University of Education, Ajumako Campus
 | Goethe University Frankfurt
 | University of Education, Ajumako Campus
 | University of Ghana
Published online: 25 September 2023
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/ijolc.22037.abu
Abstract
This paper is a comparative study of names and naming practices among speakers of Dagbani, Kusaal, Likpakpaanl and Sɩsaalɩ. We discuss in detail the ceremonies that accompany the naming of a newborn among speakers of these languages. By using the framework of ethnopragmatics, the study explores the culture-internal dynamics of personal names by comparing the typology of names in the four languages. It draws attention to the fact that personal names are not given randomly but rather influenced by the special circumstances surrounding the birth of the name bearer and also by the advice of a diviner. This study reveals how culture is crafted through language and transmitted from one generation to the other through personal names. It is also observed that speakers of these languages have a common perception or worldview evident in their traditional cultural practices.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Linguistic background on languages
  • 3.Theoretical framework
  • 4.Culture internal classification of names among Mabia languages speakers
  • 5.Previous attempts on the typology of names in Mabia languages
  • 6.Traditional naming ceremonies among speakers of the selected Mabia languages
  • 7.Typology of names in the selected Mabia languages of Ghana
    • 7.1Circumstantial names
    • 7.2Day-names
    • 7.3Names based on the location of birth: ‘Locational names’
    • 7.4Proverbial personal experiences and names as innuendos
    • 7.5Theophoric personal names
    • 7.6Death-prevention names
    • 7.7Ancestral names
    • 7.8Names from sacred flora and fauna objects
    • 7.9Shrine names and initiated names
    • 7.10Names influenced by foreign religions
  • 8.Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
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