TITLE: AN ANALYSIS ON THE SOCIO- PRAGMATICS OF NAMWANGA PERSONAL

NAMES

BY

SALOME NAMBELA
2004032238
0976227028
SUPERVISOR: MR JIMAIMA

A RESEARCH PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO CHALIMBANA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF

EDUCATION IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE AWARD OF THE BACHELOR’S
DEGREE SECONDARY.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE
1.0. INTRODUCTION………………………………….
1.1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION….……….
1.2. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM……………
1.3. GENERAL OBJECTIVE………………………….
1.4. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES………………………….
1.5. RESEARCH QUESTIONS………………………
1.6. PURPOSE OF STUDY………………………….
1.7. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY…………….
1.8. THEORETICAL / CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS
1.9 LIMITATIONS AND DELIMITATION………..
CHAPTER TWO
2.0. REVIEW OF RELEVANT LITERATURE…………
2.1. INTRODUCTION
2.2. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE…………………
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0. INTRODUCTION……….
3.1. RESEARCH DESIGN…………..
3.2. POPULATION OF THE STUDY……..
3.3. SAMPLE POPULATION…….
3.4. SAMPLING TECHNIQUES….
3.5. DATA COLLECTION………….
3.6. DATA ANALYSIS METHODS…….
3.7. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
3.7.1. REFERENCES
3.7.2. APPENDIX
CHAPTER ONE : 1.0 INTRODUCTION
This chapter outlines the following components; background information, statement of the
problem, the general objective, the specific objectives, research questions, purpose of the study,
significance of the study, importance of the study, theoretical framework, limitations and
delimitations of the study.

1.1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Namwanga is a Bantu language spoken primarily in the Muchinga province of Zambia,
specifically in Nakonde and Isoka districts. The people who speak Namwanga are believed to
have originated from Mfipa and Nyika. However, certain individuals with names like Simwanza,
Sichalwe, Simukanga, and Musyani are considered the founders and landowners of Namwanga
territory. Others with names like Simutowe, Simwinga, Sichula, Sinyangwe, and Simfukwe
migrated from Mambwe, while the Simukondas, Silwimbas, and Siwales came from Nyika
(Sinkamba 1984).
In addition to Zambia, Namwanga can also be found in Tanzania’s Mbeya region and the
northern part of Malawi’s Chitipa district. Further, Similar languages to Namwanga include
Mambwe and Lungu spoken in the Mbala and Mpulungu districts of Zambia’s Northern
province, as well as Lambya, Nyika, and Tambo spoken in Isoka, Nakonde, and Mafinga
districts.
1.2. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The statement of the problem for this study is to investigate the socio- pragmatics of Namwanga
personal names by exploring their underlying meanings and their cultural significance.
1.3. GENERAL OBJECTIVE
To investigate the socio- pragmatic functions of the Namwanga personal names.
1.4. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
i. To explore the naming patterns of the Namwanga personal names.
ii. To examine the pragmatic meanings of selected Namwanga personal names.
iii. To analyze the socio- cultural significance of names in a Namwanga Society.
 1.5. RESEARCH QUESTIONS
i. What are the typical naming practices observed in personal names used by the Namwanga
community?
ii. What is the Pragmatic meanings of the selected Namwanga personal names?
iii. How do the meanings conveyed through personal names in Namwanga contribute to the
social and cultural aspects of the community?
1.6. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The purpose of this study will focus on the Namwanga personal names and analyze their socio-
Pragmatic functions.
1.7. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Namwanga personal names are on an integral aspect of the Namwanga culture, so studying their
socio- pragmatic function will help in understanding the rich cultural heritage and the traditions
associated with these names and their patterns. In Addition, studying this research will also
provide a basis for comparing Namwanga personal names with naming practices in other
languages. Linguists will also be able to analyze similarities and differences in naming process
and pragmatic functions across different languages.
1.8. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
According to Eisenhart (1991) a theoretical framework is a structure that guides a research by
relying on a formal theory constructed by using an established, coherent explanation of certain
Phenomena and relationships. Since the research study will be based on the pragmatic analysis of
personal names, it will employ L. Austin’s speech acts theory of (1962).
1.8.1. THE SPEECH ACTS
Osisanwo (2003) stated that speech acts theory is any utterance or action we perform through
our words. Austin (1962) also argues that every utterance serves a specific purpose, such as
stating a fact, expressing an opinion, confirming or denying information, making predictions or
requests, asking questions, issuing orders, granting permission, offering advice, making
promises, or expressing gratitude.
1.8.2. LOCUTIONARY ACT
The locutionary act can be viewed as a mere uttering of some words in a certain language or the
act of saying. It is a production of meaningful utterances.
1.8.3. THE ILLOCUTIONARY ACT
An illocutionary act is the action performed by the speaker in producing a given utterance.
Austin (1962) states that an illocutionary act is an act which is uttered by the speaker with
intention, by keeping motive in mind. It includes asking or answering a question, giving
information, warning, announcing a verdict, appointing, appealing, criticizing, describing, and
many more suggestions.
1.8.4. PERLOCUTIONARY ACT
Yule (1996) states that perlocutionary act is the act which is the effect of the illocutionary force
of the utterance. Additionally, Lyons (1977) asserts that the meaning of an utterance involves of
necessity the sender’s communicative intention and that, understanding an utterance necessarily
involves the sender's communicative intention.

1.9. LIMITATIONS AND DELIMITATIONS

1.9.1 LIMITATIONS
The limitations that the researcher may face would be:
i. Time constraints; time constraints may affect the data collection process. A researcher may
not have enough time to gather comprehensive data which can lead to incomplete or inacurrate
results.
ii. Secondly, a researcher could also have a challenge in collecting accurate data because some
people may hide or conceal the meanings of their names due to the fear that their names would
be given to Satanism.
1.9.2. DELIMITATION
The study will be conducted in urban Nakonde district of Muchinga province and it will only
focus on the Namwanga speaking people.
1.9.3. DEFINITIONS OF KEY TERMS
i. Analysis: This is the systematic examination and evaluation of something typically to
understand its nature or derive its meaningful insights.
ii. Pragmatics: This is the branch of linguistics that deals with language in use and the ways in
which context influences the interpretation of meaning.
iii. Namwanga: This is a Bantu ethnic group primarily residing in Northern and Muchinga
provinces of Zambia, known for their distinct culture, language, and naming traditions.
iv. Personal names: Personal names are names given to individuals to identity and distinguish
them from others.
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. INTRODUCTION

This chapter represents the review of related literature on different scholars from different
regions on the analysis of pragmatic functions of Namwanga personal names. So, every
reviewed study will have an identified gap which this study will fulfil. Therefore, literature
review is defined as the available scholarly written arguments (research based on write up on a
given topic (Kombo, 2006).

2.2. STUDIES CONDUCTED ON THE PATTERNS OF PERSONAL NAMING SYSTEM.

Kabaso (2016) conducted a study in Samfya and Mufulira on the Morphological and semantics
analysis of nicknames in Ng’umbo. The study found that, in Ng’umbo society, naming and
naming practices are a vital activity. The commonest practice is that the new born child is named
immediately the umbilical cord drops. The study further found that nicknames have morphology
where prefixes and extensions added to roots or stems alter their meanings. The study concluded
that, in a Ng’umbo community nicknames are meaningful, but polysemous; have semantic value
governed by socio-cultural factors and convey messages. Many people are proudly called by
nicknames; hence become fixed and eventually stabilize into surnames, family names or in
inherited names.

The reviewed study looked at the naming practices among the Ng’umbo speaking people in
Mufulira and Samfya while the current study will look at the naming practices among the
Namwanga speaking people of Nakonde district.

Kabaso.M.F. (2016). A Morphology and Semantics analysis of nicknames in Ng’umbo.

Unpublished MA Dissertation: University of Zambia.

Ekah (2016) did a study on Morpho-Syntactic Analysis of Ibibio personal names in Nigeria. The
researcher used the library research methodology and personal observation of patterns of names
of ibibio using her students. In her study she observed that personal names among Ibibio undergo
generational changes and those changes cause the names to be transformed from lexical items to
phrasal and sentence like constructions through prefixation and suffixation. For instance, eno
abasi-enobasi– (God’s gift), toro +obon –torobo (praise God). Therefore, the reviewed study
+

focused on how the forms and words are arranged in Ibibio names in Nigeria. However, the
current study will focus on the naming patterns among the Namwanga speaking people of
Nakonde district of Muchinga province in Zambia.

Ekah, M. (2016) Cultural Contact and the Patterns of Ibibio Personal Names: A Morpho
Syntactic Analysis. Journal of Linguistics and Language in Education Vol. 10, Number1.

After examining the existing literature on naming systems conducted in various parts of the
world, the study will also explore the literature on the pragmatic functions of personal names.

2.3.STUDIES CONDUCTED ON PRAGMATIC MEANINGS OF PERSONAL NAMES.

Sanni, Oyedeji and Kwasu (2021) conducted a research in Nigeria on A pragmatic analysis of
names and naming in Igarr. Therefore,the study investigated the pragmatic implications of the
names by exploring the reasons and circumstances of the selected names. And the study
concluded that in Igarra (Etuno) children are given names that reflect hope, show reliance on
God, reflects seasons, names that show despair, philosophical names and names that reflect
cultural values.

The existing literature shares similarities with the current study as it explores the context-
dependent interpretation of names within a specific language. However, there is a knowledge gap
that needs to be addressed by examining the pragmatic aspects of Namwanga personal names
among the Namwanga-speaking in Nakonde district of Zambia.

Sanni, O. A., Gideon, G. A., Kwasu, M. J. (2021). A pragmatic analysis of names and naming
in Igarra (Etuno). All Nations University Journal of Applied Thought. Vol 8 (2), pp 56-69.

Ngalande, Musonda and Simwinga (2019) carried a study on Daring Death among the Tumbuka:
A Socio-Semantic Analysis of Death-Related Personal Names.Therefore, there findings showed
that among the Tumbuka people, the first name is bestowed on a child after detachment of its
umbilical cord, with the father and grandfather of the child’s father being the sole name-
givers. In addition, the study found that personal names in Tumbuka-prone speech communities
go beyond being mere personal labels, to expressions and stories that mark the various social and
psychological milestones and circumstances surrounding the birth of a child to be named.

The gap identified when comparing the reviewed literature and the current study is that the
reviewed literature focused on the socio-semantic analysis of death-related personal names
among the Tumbuka people, while the current study will focus on the analysis of social and
pragmatic meanings of Namwanga personal names.

Ngalande, M., Musonda, C., Simwinga, J. (2019). Daring Death among the Tumbuka: A Socio-
Semantic Analysis of Death-Related Personal Names. International Journal of humanities and
social Sciences Education: Vol 6, (7) pp 109-120.

2.4. STUDIES CONDUCTED ON THE SOCIO-CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF

PERSONAL NAMES.

Essien (1986) conducted a study in Nigeria on the naming practices of the Ibibio people. The
study used semi-structured interviews to collect data of 300 Ibibio names from participants
randomly. However, the study found that the Ibibio people are influenced by specific events
when choosing names. In particular, they use names to mark important events in their lives.
Some of these events have a lot of social significance. The study concluded that Ibibio personal
names reflect everything these people do, that is, they reflect on economic or commercial
activities, artistic or creative work and also religious and philosophical ideas.

The reviewed study collected and analyzed 300 Ibibio personal names in Nigeria. However, the
current study will only collect less than 100 Namwanga personal names.

Essien, O.E. (1986) on Ibibio names: Their Structure and their Meanings. badan: Daystar Press.

Chishiba (2017) conducted a study on the naming process among the Lamba people of Zambia.
The study found that names can be given for various reasons, including circumstances
surrounding the child's birth and the socio-psychological environment. Additionally, among the
Lamba people, names are typically given immediately after a child is born. Again, it is possible
that a child may choose to change a name when he or she reaches the age of 10 to 12 years or
during adulthood. Therefore, the reviewed study is a unique one in that there is an aspect of
changing a name when a child does not like it at a certain age. However, the current study will
focus on the aspect of meanings and other aspects such as a circumstance that have been
considered in the previous study.

Chishiba, G. (2017). The naming process among the Lamba people of Zambia: A socio cultural
study. International Journal of Education, Culture and Society. Vol2 (3) pp 83.

2.5. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW

This section of the writing summarizes the literature reviewed. It began by examining a study
conducted on personal naming patterns, the pragmatic meaning of personal names and It also
includes studies conducted by various scholars from different regions on the socio-cultural
significance expressed in the meaning of personal names.

From the literature reviewe, it has been observed that in the African continent, Zambia in
particular, Personal naming holds significant importance in an individual's life and carries rich
traditional value. It serves to identify a person's position within their family and society and
shaping their social personality. Furthermore, a person's name can provide immediate insights
into their social background, culture, language, and various other aspects.

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

3.0. INTRODUCTION

This chapter provides the research design and methods that will be used to collect and analyzing
data. It also comprises of the research design, population of the study, sample population,
sampling techniques, data collection, data collection methods, references, and appendices.

3.1. RESEARCH DESIGN

A research design serves as a detailed plan for conducting a research. In this study, the
descriptive research design will be employed, which primarily draws upon the qualitative
method or approach. This method will be used in the study because it will provide a view of
detailed descriptions and explanations concerning the naming patterns of the Namwanga people
of Nakonde district.
3.2. POPULATION OF THE STUDY

The study population will comprise individuals residing in urban Nakonde district who are
Namwanga speakers. This includes both male and female adults who bear Namwanga names, as
well as children who have been given Namwanga personal names.

3.3. SAMPLE POPULATION

The study will be conducted in Nyela village of Nakonde district in Muchinga province,
Zambia. The aim is to collect less than 100 Namwanga personal names from 15 native
Namwanga speakers, including 9 adult males and 6 female adults. This is based on the
assumption that older generations possess the necessary knowledge about the meanings of
personal names given to children at birth.

3.4. SAMPLING TECHNIQUES

This research study will employ the purposive sampling technique where informants will be
chosen, targeting only the native speakers of the language and have to ensure sufficient
knowledge and expertise regarding Namwanga naming patterns. Purposive sampling will also
allow the researcher to intentionally select individuals who are well-versed in Namwanga
culture, language, and naming practices.

3.5. DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENTS

This research study will use two data collection instruments such as face to face interviews and a
notebook.

3.5.1. INTERVIEWS

Interviews can be defined as questions asked orally (Kombo and Tromp, 2006). This particular
instrument will be used in that it will enable the researcher to collect the first hand information in
a natural and conducive manner.

3.5.2. NOTEBOOK

Note taking is the peocess of recording information from another source. For instance, taking
Notes from sources such as oral interviews.The researcher in this study will take notes from oral
interviews and the notes will be recorded in an exercise book.
3.6. DATA ANALYSIS

The data to be collected for this study will be analyzed qualitatively using a thematic approach.
The primary data collection method will involve conducting interviews with native Namwanga
speakers, during which detailed notes will be taken by the researcher into a note book.

3.7. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

In this study, ethical considerations will be prioritized, particularly with regard to obtaining
informed consent from participant before conducting interviews and collecting data. Participants
will also be assured of their right to withdraw from the study at any time without facing any
negative consequences. Additionally, any identifying information shared during the interviews
will be pseudonymized and kept separate from the dataset. The data will be stored securely and
only accessible to the research team. Any published or disseminated findings will not reveal
participants’ identities or personally identifiable information, ensuring their privacy and
confidentiality are protected from any potential harm or unintended consequences resulting from
their participation in the study.

7.1. REFERENCES

Austin, J. L. (1962). How to do things with words. Oxford: Clarendon Press.

Bless, C., and Hugson- Smith, C. (1995. Fundamentals of social research methods. Landsdowne:
Juda education.

Chishiba, G. (2017). The naming process among the Lamba people of Zambia: A socio- cultural
study. International Journal of education, culture and society. Vol 2 (3) pp 83.

Eisenhart, M. (1991). Conceptual frameworks for research circa 1991: Ideas from a cultural
Anthropologist; implications for Mathematics education researchers. Paper presented at the
proceedings of the Thirteen Annual meeting North America paper of the international Group for
the Psychology of Mathematics Education, Blacksburg Virginia: USA.
Ekah, M. (2016). Cultural contact and the patterns of Ibibio personal names: A Morpho syntactic
analysis. Journal of linguistics and language. Vol 10 (1) pp 55- 77.

Essein, O. E. (1986). On Ibibio names: Their structure and their meanings. Badan: Daystar press.

Fink, A. (2009). Conducting research literature reviews: From the internet to paper. 3 rd ed.
Thousand Oaks: Sage publications.

Kabaso, F. M. (2016). A morphological and Semantics analysis of nicknames in Ng’umbo.

Unpublished Master’s Thesis: The University of Zambia.

Kembo, D. K. (2006). Proposal and thesis writing. Nairobi Kenya: Don Boscov printing press.

Kombo, D. K. and Tromp, D. L. (2006). Proposal and Thesis Writing: An intriduction, Nairobi
Kenya: Don Boscov printing press.

Lyons, J. (1977). Semantics. United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.

Musonda, C. (2011). A Socio- Semantic analysis of Tumbuka Anthroponyms. University of
Zambia.
Neethling, B. (2003). Perceptions around the English Name of Xhosa Speakers. Nomina Africa
Vol 17 (2) pp 47 – 67.
Ngalande, M., Musonda. C., and Simwinga, J. (2019). Daring death among the Tumbuka: A
socio- semantic analysis of death related personal names. International Journal of humanities and
social science Education. Vol 6(7) pp 109 – 120.
Osisanwo, W. (2003). Introduction to Discourse Analysis and Pragmatics. Lagos: Femolus-Fetop
publishers.
Osuagwu, E. C. (2018). Aspect of the socio-semantic and linguist analysis of Igbo personal
names. Journal of Linguistic Association of Nigeria. University of port Harcourt.

Saani, O. A. Gideon, G. A., and Kwasu, M. J. (2021). A Pragmatic analysis of names and
naming in Agarra (Etuna). All nations University Journal of Applied Thought. Vol 8 (2) pp 56-
69.
Searle, J. R. (1975). Speech Acts: An introduction to the philososphy of language," In N. E
Collinge (Ed), An Encyclopedia of Language, London and new york: Routledge, 179-184.
Shingi, P. (2023). Emerging principles guiding personal naming practices in Sukuma Language.
Sinkamba, H. M. F. (1984). Imikalile yawinamwanga. Ndola: Mission press.
Su, H., Sabet, P. G. P., and Zhang. G. (2003). Historical Imprints on Chinese Ideological given
names. Pragmatics and Society. Vol 10 (1075) pp 210 – 236.
Yule, G. (1996). Pragmatics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

7.2. APPENDIX: INTERVIEW GUIDE

AN ANALYSIS OF SOCIO-PRAGMATICS OF NAMWANGA PERSONAL NAMES.
Sample of interview questions.
1. What is your name?.......................................................................................
2. For how long have you lived in Nakonde district?.............................................
3. When do you give a name to your child?............................................................
4. Who gives the name to the child?..........................................................................
5. What are the Namwanga personal names of your children?.......................................
6. What are the pragmatic meaning of the Namwanga personal names?........................
7. What are the socio- cultural significance of Namwanga personal names of your
children?..........................................