This paper is a sociolinguistic study of Vagla proverbial names. It examines the importance of the Vagla proverbial names and how they affect the being of the individuals. Descriptive and qualitative approaches were adopted for the study, where the researcher, visited 12 towns and villages to listened and record Vagla names. The paper would also dwell on some day, appellation of Vagla clan heads, heads of family and the chief priests coupled with the Vagla chiefs. As an ethnic group, the Vagla language is classed as the Gur-Gursi of the Savanna, Northern and Upper West regions respectively. The Vagla is one of the most adorable languages spoken in about 16 main towns and villages within the Damongo, Bole and Sawla/Tuna/Kalba district in the Savanna region. The Vagla, though a minority in the then Northern region, with the creation of the new 6 regions in 2019, is now second to Gonja language in the Savanna region, the Vagla tribe which falls within the northwest of the Northern region. The Vagla is made up of some related tribes such as the Sissala, Mo (Dɛg), Tampulma and Chakali.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- INTRODUCTION
- THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
- METHODOLOGY
- ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
- CONCLUSION
- REFERENCES
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to conduct a sociolinguistic study of Vagla proverbial names, examining their significance and impact on individuals within the Vagla culture. It explores the cultural and social functions of names within the context of Vagla society and its relationship to wider African naming practices.
- The sociocultural functions and meanings of Vagla names.
- The relationship between Vagla names and religious beliefs.
- The connection between names and social behavior within the Vagla community.
- A comparison of Vagla naming practices with those of other African societies.
- The role of context and proverbs in understanding Vagla names.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the sociolinguistic study of Vagla proverbial names, emphasizing their sociocultural significance and functions beyond mere labels. It establishes the orthography used for Vagla expressions, highlighting unique double-lettered sounds. The chapter also touches upon Vagla social activities, traditional religious beliefs (shrines and their names), and the relevance of anthroponomy within broader linguistic anthropology. It contrasts the arbitrary nature of names proposed by some linguists with the socio-cultural basis of Vagla names, positioning the study within existing scholarship on African anthroponomy.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: This section delves into the theoretical underpinnings of the study. It challenges the notion of names as purely arbitrary labels, arguing instead that Vagla names are deeply rooted in socio-cultural, religious, and ethno-pragmatic contexts. It emphasizes the evolutionary nature of names, highlighting how their meanings can change over time based on life experiences and societal expectations. The chapter discusses how names can shape individuals' behavior and social standing, linking personal achievements to name acquisition, and emphasizing the importance of cultural context in understanding their meaning. The concept of indirection and ambiguity in African naming traditions, particularly its use as a defensive mechanism, is also explored.
METHODOLOGY: While the provided text doesn't detail the specific methodology, it implies a descriptive and qualitative approach. This chapter likely outlines the research methods employed, including data collection techniques, such as field visits to Vagla towns and villages, recording of names, and interviews (inferred). It would describe the sample size and population studied, the methods used for data analysis, and any ethical considerations of the research.
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION: This chapter would present the core analysis of the collected data on Vagla names. It is expected that this section would systematically categorize and analyze the different types of names (day names, appellation names, proverbial names), examining the meanings and cultural significance associated with each. The analysis would likely delve into the thematic patterns and relationships discovered between names and their social contexts, drawing connections with the theoretical frameworks discussed in prior chapters. The findings would be presented in relation to the research objectives and questions.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Gur, minority language, Vagla, names, anthroponomy, sociolinguistics, proverbs, naming practices, cultural context, African onomastics, sociocultural functions, religious beliefs, identity.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Sociolinguistic Study of Vagla Proverbial Names
What is the overall purpose of this study?
This sociolinguistic study aims to examine the significance and impact of Vagla proverbial names on individuals within the Vagla culture. It explores how these names function culturally and socially, relating them to broader African naming practices.
What are the key themes explored in this research?
The study investigates the sociocultural functions and meanings of Vagla names, their relationship with religious beliefs, the connection between names and social behavior, and compares Vagla naming practices to those of other African societies. It also highlights the crucial role of context and proverbs in understanding Vagla names.
What is the structure of the research paper?
The paper follows a standard academic structure: an introduction, a theoretical framework, a methodology section, an analysis and discussion section, a conclusion, and a bibliography. Each section builds upon the previous one to present a cohesive argument.
What theoretical framework underpins this study?
The study challenges the view of names as arbitrary labels. It argues that Vagla names are deeply rooted in socio-cultural, religious, and ethno-pragmatic contexts, evolving over time and influencing individuals' behavior and social standing. The concept of indirection and ambiguity in African naming traditions is also explored.
What methodology is employed in this research?
While not explicitly detailed, the methodology is implied to be descriptive and qualitative. It likely involves field research in Vagla communities, name recordings, interviews, and qualitative data analysis. The specific data collection techniques, sample size, and ethical considerations are likely discussed in a dedicated methodology chapter.
What are the main findings expected in the analysis and discussion section?
This section will present a systematic analysis of different types of Vagla names (day names, appellation names, proverbial names), examining their meanings and cultural significance. The analysis will identify thematic patterns and relationships between names and social contexts, relating the findings to the research objectives and questions.
What are the key takeaways from the introduction chapter?
The introduction sets the stage by emphasizing the sociocultural importance of Vagla names, establishing the orthography used, and touching upon Vagla social activities, religious beliefs, and the relevance of anthroponomy in linguistic anthropology. It contrasts arbitrary name theories with the socio-cultural basis of Vagla names.
What keywords best describe the research?
Key terms include: Gur, minority language, Vagla, names, anthroponomy, sociolinguistics, proverbs, naming practices, cultural context, African onomastics, sociocultural functions, religious beliefs, and identity.
- Quote paper
- Mark Kpatiewiizi Donwaazum (Author), 2020, A sociolinguistic study of Vagla proverbial names, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1149277
