Shifts and continuities in Zulu personal naming practices

Sihawukele Ngubane,Nompumelelo Thabethe

doi:10.4102/lit.v34i1.431

Sihawukele Ngubane, Nompumelelo Thabethe

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4102/lit.v34i1.431

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Journal: Literator	Publication Date: Aug 19, 2013
Citations: 31	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Howard College, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

It is widely accepted that, in all societies, personal naming practices and culture are intertwined. Given that culture is not static, but dynamic and ever changing, personal names have undergone a major transformation due to socio-cultural and political factors. This article reflects on shifts and continuities in the practice of personal naming amongst the Zulu people. Emerging data demonstrate the evolution from pre-colonial Africa to the post-1994 period in South Africa. It is further illustrated that the reclaiming of indigenous names in the new democratic dispensation is perceived as a way for Africans to re-define and re-affirm their identities, thus de-stigmatising their culture. Ultimately, this article makes a strong argument that personal naming, in any society, is not detached from the socio-cultural environment. Rather, personal naming and culture are inextricably linked to socio-political conditions at any historical moment. This is demonstrated in the shift from personal naming practices greatly inspired by communal values to those steeped in contradictions within the epoch of neo-liberal capitalism. It is, therefore, concluded that shifts in people’s consciousness lead to fundamental shifts in personal naming practices.

Highlights

Whilst it is acknowledged that personal names are significant in all societies, Suzman (1994) maintains that this reality is more pronounced in African societies
The findings generally demonstrate that, previously, personal names were in the isiZulu language, with socio-cultural meanings and reasons attached to them
There have been major shifts in people’s consciousness across the different periods; yet, Western influences on Zulu personal naming practices stubbornly persist from the colonial to the post-apartheid South Africa

Summary

Introduction

Whilst it is acknowledged that personal names are significant in all societies, Suzman (1994) maintains that this reality is more pronounced in African societies. It is for this reason that some study participants, born in the colonial and apartheid period, expressed a disinterest in prioritising indigenous names at this point in time They argue that what is required is a South African citizen with a sense of self and public awareness as observed in people like former President Rolihlahla Nelson Mandela. Important is the urgent need to realise that modern day Africans cannot go back to the pre-colonial age, they can utilize the principles of that period for guidance as expressed in the element of Ubuntu (Ntuli 1999) To this end, a truly transformative process will not limit itself by reinstating amagama asekhaya [home names], but will go further to integrate such changes with the African value system as opposed to the consumerist culture. It can be argued that personal naming practices are under threat in situations where they have been shifted from family systems to be regulated by a capitalist consciousness which foster individualism

Discussion and conclusion

Competing interest