An Analysis of Jita Traditional Naming Practices
Abstract
Description
This study sought to analyse the Jita traditional naming practices, focusing on naming of
persons specifically to examine the naming patterns and meaning, identify the traditional
procedures and rituals involved in naming people in the community and establish the factors
leading to the changes of Jita traditional naming practices, through Onomastic approach.
The study employed qualitative method. The sample was selected using snow-ball sampling
technique and data were collected using in-depth interviews and focus group discussion. The
content was obtained and analyzed using thematic analysis which groups and organize data in
various theme basing on specific objectives. The findings revealed that, traditionally, Jita
personal names (birth names) were not bestowed to children randomly but instead various
factors were considered. Major factors that influenced the selection of personal names were
majorly various events and circumstances prevailing upon pregnancy and birth of children.
The study further revealed that the Jita personal names are meaningful, and, the meanings
attached into names convey potential information of the parents, family, community or the
country at large. Meanings attached to Jita names, tells a lot about what happened in the past,
they describe feelings and perceptions of the parents before birth, they express the child
background and describe the behaviors/characteristics of the parents/child. Furthermore, the
findings revealed that there have been changes in the traditional naming procedures and
processes in the Jita, those changes have been caused by various factors including; economic,
civilization, globalization, educational and religious factors among other major factors.
Following this, the study recommends for future studies in different aspects of Jita
anthroponymy and onomastics in general to complete the image of the Jita naming practices.
Keywords
Personal Names