MORPHO-SEMANTIC ANALYSIS OF NAMES OF VILLAGE IN OWEREZUKALA TOWN

Abstract

Ndigbo are known for preserving their culture and values through names that are peculiar to them and carry distinctive, remarkable meanings. In recent years, there has been notable growth and development in the study of indigenous names given to Igbo villages and towns. The village names in Owerezukala, a town in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria, are not left out of this discussion. The town consists of eight villages, namely: Mkputu, Ogwuada, Iyiafor, Isiafor, Okpoghota, Lete, Okpu, and Ihie. The names of these villages were formed based on various cultural and historical conditions such as traditional figures, war, conquest, bravery, nature, birthright, personality, and afflictions. Data for this study were collected from two elderly men from each village, aged 50 years and above, making a total population of 16 respondents. The data collected were qualitatively analyzed, which contributed to the authenticity of the research findings. It was observed that the names of these villages in Owerezukala are neither ordinary nor given arbitrarily; rather, they serve as markers of historical events, indigenous identity, victory, and the town’s touristic heritage. This study enhances the understanding of the morphology and semantics of Owerezukala village names and demonstrates how toponymy serves as a vehicle for meaning formation, traditional identity, and culturally significant narratives.