A MORPHO-SEMANTIC ANALYSIS OF NEW CHURCH NAMES IN ONITSHA

Abstract

This study explores the morphological structure and semantic significance of names of new churches in Onitsha, Nigeria, through the lens of referential theory. By examining the linguistic composition and cultural context of these names, it uncovers the complex interplay between language, culture, and religion in shaping the identities of these religious communities. The analysis reveals that church names in Onitsha reflect a blend of Igbo cultural heritage and Christian doctrine, conveying messages of faith, hope, and redemption. The research employs a qualitative approach, analyzing the morphological structure of names of new churches in Onitsha. Data are collected from various sources, including church websites, directories, and field observations. The analysis involves examining morphological processes such as: derivation (adding prefixes or suffixes to root words), compounding (combining two or more words to form a new name), and clipping (removing parts of words to create shorter, more memorable names). This study aims to reveal the morphological patterns and structures of church names in Onitsha, highlighting their cultural significance and their role in shaping the identities of religious communities. It contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of language in constructing meaning and identity in religious contexts, emphasizing the importance of considering cultural and social factors in linguistic analysis.