SEMANTIC ANALYSIS OF AREA NAMES IN AWKA METROPOLIS

Abstract

This investigation focuses on area names in Awka Metropolis and employs lexico-semantic analysis to examine them. The research adopted a descriptive and qualitative design, which enabled the interpretation of the area names. The population of the study consists of all the area names that make up Awka Metropolis. Methods of data collection included oral interviews, participant observation, and archival materials. The data were analyzed using semantic categories, examining both literal meanings (denotation) and cultural implications (connotation). The findings reveal the cultural, historical, spiritual, and social meanings that shape the identity of the Awka people. Using the referential theory framework, the study examined the semantics of area names in Awka Metropolis. By collecting data from oral interviews, observations, and archival sources, and applying descriptive semantic analysis, the research established that the names of neighbourhoods, villages, and communities in Awka are not arbitrary. Rather, they function as repositories of meaning that encapsulate the town’s history, culture, spirituality, and social organization.