CHANGES AND DEVELOPMENTS IN MARITAL NAMES AMONG THE IGBO PEOPLE OF NIGERIA: A SOCIOLINGUISTIC INVESTIGATION

Abstract

Marital names are names used among couples. It is observed that there are some changes in Igbo marital names. This paper sets out to investigate the changes. A qualitative approach was adopted and primary data were sourced through interviews. Thirty seven adult male and female respondents from different Igbo communities were purposively sampled and interviewed. The Afrocentric theory was adopted for the analysis of this work. Findings reveal that Igbo marital names changed from that of the Lord-Servant to companionship names. The later trend in the marital names is completely devoid of Igbo language and culture. The noticed changes are as a result of language contact. This paper concludes by advocating that though changes in society and language are inevitable, the Igbo should not lose sight of their culture especially as it regards marriage. Moreso, the Igbo should preserve her identity through her language by using Igbo marital names.