Issue

Vol. 13 No. 2 (2024)

The Significance and Impact of Traditional Naming Practices in the Meru Community of Tanzania

A Comprehensive Analysis of Meru Community in Tanzania
https://doi.org/10.56279/13/2/8
Eliakimu Sane
a:1:{s:5:"en_US";s:24:"The University of Dodoma";}
Ismaeli
The University of Dodoma

Corresponding Author(s) : Eliakimu Sane

eliakimu.macha@udom.ac.tz

Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS), Vol. 13 No. 2 (2024)

Abstract

In Africa, names are not awarded randomly but carefully and methodically chosen to code social, economic and political conceptualisations of communities. In this article, the authors analyse the significance of traditional African names, their variations, and continued value amid the escalating globalisation and cultural homogenisation using data generated from Meru community in Tanzania. The authors used a case study design to collect data from Meru consultants using focus group discussions and face-to-face interviews. The analysis revealed that naming traditions in Meru community play a vital role in establishing identity, history, connection to ancestors, convictions and cultural heritage. Through the careful selection of names and rituals like ululation and sacrificing rams, Meru people celebrate new life and strengthen ties within the community. These practices also reflect the significance of peer cohort names in maintaining tradition and social order among men. They conclude that every traditional name in Meru has a unique story and connotations. Unfortunately, certain names perpetuate a conceptualisation that women are transient members of their families and deprive them of some rights granted to men.

Keywords

Personal names, Meru community, conceptualisations, transient members
The Significance and Impact of Traditional Naming Practices in the Meru Community of Tanzania: A Comprehensive Analysis of Meru Community in Tanzania . (2024). Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS), 13(2). https://doi.org/10.56279/13/2/8
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The Significance and Impact of Traditional Naming Practices in the Meru Community of Tanzania: A Comprehensive Analysis of Meru Community in Tanzania . (2024). Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS), 13(2). https://doi.org/10.56279/13/2/8
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