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.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
3. METHODOLOGY
4. ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
5. CONCLUSION
Research Objectives and Themes
This study aims to examine the sociolinguistic importance of Vagla proverbial names and how they influence individual identity and behavior. It explores the naming practices of the Vagla people, analyzing how names serve as sociocultural markers that reflect the community's beliefs, values, and history within the context of linguistic anthropology.
- Sociolinguistic analysis of Vagla naming systems
- Classification of day names, appellations, and proverbial names
- Exploration of the "emic" perspective on Vagla culture and tradition
- The relationship between names and social indexicality
- The role of naming in shaping social upbringing and individual conduct
Excerpt from the Book
Vagla dargaa ‘appellation’
The Vagla dargaa ‘appellation’ names that are used on their children also have some societal impact on the individuals. In appellations, praise names are normally given to clans, individuals, societies, etc. This can be considered as a universal practice, but how the names are given, the practice and rituals involved, and the interpretations attached to the names, differ from society to society, and from culture to culture (Agyekum 2006). In the Vagla settings, appellations vary from clan to clan or family to family. These appellations are exhibited during greetings, dancing, festivals, and funerals and also at wrestling contests, to empower the individuals to excel in their quest for success and great achievement. They are praised by comparing them with things, plants, animals, brave warriors and hunters. It is in this assertion that Finnegan (1970), Mulokozi (1997) and Sowah (2008) that certain appellations relate to things of nature, such as plants and animals, storms, thunder strike, etc. When the child does something well and he or she is to be congratulated, the Vagla man or woman uses the appellation (praise) name to thank the child. In dancing, at funeral grounds, and festivals times, these praises are mostly heard.
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: Provides an overview of the sociolinguistic context of Vagla naming, emphasizing that names are not arbitrary but carry deep sociocultural significance and functions.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: Establishes the foundation in linguistic anthropology, discussing the interface between language, cultural practice, and the identity-shaping power of names.
METHODOLOGY: Details the descriptive and qualitative research methods, including observations and data collection from 12 towns and villages in the Savanna region.
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION: Categorizes and interprets various name types, including day names and proverbial names, highlighting their meanings and implications for the individual.
CONCLUSION: Synthesizes the study's findings, reiterating that Vagla names function as indexical markers of social reality, belief systems, and life experiences.
Keywords
Vagla, Sociolinguistics, Anthroponomy, Proverbial Names, Linguistic Anthropology, Culture, Identity, Savanna Region, Naming Practices, Indirection, Ethnography, Indexicality, Appellation, Tradition, Ghana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this study?
The study focuses on the sociolinguistic analysis of Vagla proverbial names, exploring how these names function as sociocultural tags that influence the identity and behavior of individuals within the Vagla community.
What are the central thematic areas covered?
The key themes include the sociolinguistic aspects of naming, the classification of names (day, appellation, and proverbial), the influence of cultural rituals, and the role of religious beliefs in naming ceremonies.
What is the main research question or goal?
The goal is to determine the importance of Vagla proverbial names and analyze how they affect the lives of the bearers, serving as tools for social integration and identity formation.
Which scientific methodology does the author use?
The author employs a descriptive and qualitative approach, utilizing observational research, interviews with elders, and data sourced from historical texts and linguistic studies within 12 Vagla towns and villages.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the ethnographic background of the Vagla people, the systematic classification of different naming categories, the importance of context in name interpretation, and the relationship between names and indexicality.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Essential keywords include Vagla, sociolinguistics, proverbial names, identity, linguistic anthropology, and cultural ethnography.
How do Vagla names differ from Western naming practices?
Unlike predictable Western naming practices, Vagla names are often circumstantial or proverbial, reflecting the specific social context, birth history, or intended behavioral expectations for the individual.
What is the significance of the "hɛuhiƞ" in Vagla society?
The hɛuhiƞ, or chief priest, holds a critical role as the guardian of the land and spiritual authority; he must be consulted during sickness or upon the arrival of strangers to ensure the spiritual safety of the community.
- Quote paper
- Mark Kpatiewiizi Donwaazum (Author), 2020, A sociolinguistic study of Vagla proverbial names, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1149277
