Sociolinguistic Significance of Names in Igbo Culture: The Umuchu Example

Abstract

In Nigeria, the Igbo people of the South East have unique names. Umuchu is one of the towns inIgbo Land. The indigenous or people of Umuchu believe that a name has more than the attitude of‘What-Is-In-A-Name’ that has destroyed that heritage through modernization and globalization.Names to Umuchu people are an embodiment of their mentality and life style which symbolicallyreveals their culture and sentiments, aspirations, beliefs, hopes, fortunes and values. This studyexamines Umuchu names from ancient to present to ascertain the extent the names have changedbecause of Western or European influence. This study also examines the naming conventions,values of life and love of life in comparison with the present trend of ‘Modern’ names. It revealsthat names are not ordinary tags or labels in Umuchu but are tied to the bearer for life. The researchmethod used in this study is the descriptive and survey approach using interviews. The findings ofthe research reveal that up until today, names in Umuchu still have their original ideas andmeanings hence they are much more than mere tags or labels or means of identification. It isrecommended that parents and guardians should continue to give children names that are of greatvalues because they have powers to ward off negative spiritual forces. Finally, traditional namesand naming in Umuchu is a priceless heritage which is done according to the thoughts, beliefs,experiences and philosophy which guard and guide the name- bearer to a successful life.