African Languages

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A study of traditional Zulu names
(University of Zululand, 1988) Gumede, Khanyisile Maureen Thembelihle.
The study deals with Zulu names of people as a prominent culture trait of the Zulus. It is a universal pattern of culture that every newly born child IS given a name to identify his nationality, sex and also his personality from any other human being. Although this is common in all rlatlons, each nation has its own unique concept of dOIng it. For example in western countries names are maintained and used In the family generation, that is why we always hear of Elizabeth 11, George V, King Edward VIII etc. As a matter of fact the Zulus, like other nations, follow their own concept In naming their children. With them every person has a number of different names by which he/she is known at home and In the outside world. These names include the first name (which IS given to him/her at his/her birth or a few days after birth) ,his/her clan name and also other additional names he/she acquires as he/she grows up. These names are all given from a particular point of view and sometimes with a particular purpose In accordance with Zulu culture. These names are a subject of this paper.