A MORPHOSEMANTIC ANALYSIS OF WANU PERSONAL NAMES

Abstract

This study examines A morphosemantics analysis of Wanu personal name. The objectives of the study includes; to identify Wanu personal names, examine the semantics properties in Wanu naming system, explore the morphological formations of Wanu personal names, investigate three types of naming system in Wanu and to reveal cultural themes/values expressed through naming. Thus, the study adopts three theories (Morphosemantic, leipzing glossing rules and ethnolinguistic). The data were sourced via informant consultation and Wanu literatures, 80 names both male and female were analysed. However, the findings found that Wanu personal names are classified into three groups; 1.birth-order or twins name indicating a child’s birth position as twin and sex as in (Adata/Adagba =male twins); 2.pet names (Adam= my father) and 3.christening or circumstantial names presenting the circumstances surrounding a child’s birth as in (Waseku= beloved queen). The findings revealed that Wanu names replicate themes of divine reverence, resilience, lineage pride, kinship, wealth, bravery, gratitude, and survival. It was also revealed that christening or circumstantial names are predominantly applicable pattern in Wanu speech community. Morphologically, structural components such as noun-based compounds, verb-based compounds, and pronoun based, preposition-based compounds, and adjective-based compounds and their sub-categories were identified. The work has contributed to knowledge by giving insight on how Wanu personal names are formed and how meaningful the names are. More so, the study will serve as a reference materials and it recommends the documentation of indigenous naming practices to preserve linguistic heritage.