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This study sought to analyse the Gogo traditional naming practices by focusing
on the naming of persons in order to examine the naming patterns and meanings, also to
identify the traditional procedures and rituals involved in naming people in the community so
as to establish the reasons behind changes in the choice of Gogo traditional naming practices.
The researcher employed a qualitative approach on a case study design as he further selected a
sample of 25 native respondents by snowball sampling technique. The study applied
Onomastic theory as articulated by Raper in 1987. Data was collected using in-depth
interviews and focus group discussions. The content was obtained and analysed using thematic
analysis that grouped and organised data into various themes basing on specific objectives.
The study revealed that traditionally, the Gogo personal names (birth names)
were not being bequeathed to children randomly; instead they carried special meanings and
these meanings convey important information concerning the parents, the family, the
community and the country at large. They describe, among other things, the feelings and
perceptions of the parents before birth, the background of the child before birth, during birth
and after birth, and the behaviour of the child and the parents as well. Thus, the study
recommends that deliberate endeavours should be done by the Gogo community into
maintenance and preservation of their cultural heritage that encompasses among other things
the naming patterns and practices. The Tanzanian government through the Ministry of Heritage
should also help inculcating in the minds of the Gogo community as well as other communities
on the importance of abiding to the cultural naming practices and preservation of their
respective cultural heritage |
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