THE SOCIO-CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC IMPLICATIONS OF IGBO NAMES: A CASE STUDY OF EZEAGU NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study is a socio-cultural and linguistic implications of names as it concerns the people of Ezeagu North local government area of Enugu State, Nigeria. The purpose of the study is to investigate the meanings of names, categories of names and the sociocultural implications of names in Ezeagu. The paper eoually discusses the reasons for naming. This is because Igbo people in general and Ezeagu people in particular believe that the meaning of a name remains with the child and even leads him/her throughout his/her life. The study also examines the culture content of Igbo personal names which is vital in Igbo belief system. The study adopts survey method and the data are collected through oral interviews. Literature is reviewed to expose the study to other writer’s views. Name and naming ceremony in Igbo land, especially in Ezeagu North, is a very important issue that cannot be toyed with. Names given to children are sacred because they were given before the presence of both the living and the dead. The paper therefore, attempts a study of naming forms and change in Igbo identity within the framework of social and cultural dynamics. It has been observed that the present Igbo people in general and Ezeagu in particular have lost sight of the sacredness and values of their names as well as the implications of the type of names they give their children. Hence the reason for this research. The study will be beneficial to the present Igbo people and Ezeagu in choosing the names they give their children, knowing fully well that names given to a child can affect him/her positively or negatively.