People's Names Flashcards
Why is it important to pronounce names correctly?
. It is a sign of respect and acknowledgement of the individual and their identity, culture and heritage
. An incorrect pronunciation can change the meaning
How are people named?
Traditionally given by the father, names carry significant meanings, hopes and expectations and thanks for the child.
What can the names mean?
. Often express culturally valued characteristics (e.g. Mandla - strength or Nonyaniso - truth)
. Can express the strong feelings from the parents to the baby (e.g. Xabiso - value or Chwayita - rejoice)
. Can have religious meaning (e.g. Siyabulela - we give thanks or Nomthandazo - prayer)
. Can be named after or natural occurrence
. Can be named after an event at the time of birth
How long can it take for a suitable name to ‘materialize’?
Two to three years
What might the last child in a large family be named?
Nondanele (enough)
Daniswa (disappointment)
Ntombizandile (lots of girls)
What does the name Lindiwe mean?
Long awaited
What happened to people’s names if they converted to christianity?
Expected to give up their names, clan names and surnames
Often given biblical names or names which the missionaries wanted to honour
What can girls names end with?
Kazi or iswa
E.g. Vuyokazi
. Kholiswa
What can you prefix a name with to make it a girl’s name if you can’t add kazi or iswa?
No
E.g. uNokhaya
What do all names have infront of them?
U
When do you use the u infront of the name and when not?
When talking to them directly drop the u
When speaking about them use the u
What happens to a women’s name when she marries?
She takes on her husband’s surname but keep her own clan name which is then prefixed with Ma after she marries
What are clan names?
Family members are said to be descendants of a common male ancestors. The name of this ancestor becomes the clan name
How do you ask someone’s clan name?
Ungumni? (Male)
UngoMamni? (Female)
What is the process called when someone says their clan name with a string of other clan names which depict the names of their male descendants?
Ukuzuthutha
