A Socio-Semantic Etymological Analysis of Selected Nicknames Within the Zambian Senga Social and Cultural Onomastics Cosmology

Abstract

This study examined the social-semantic meaning of selected Zambian Senga nicknames within the Senga social and cultural milieu. It unveiled the social- semantic significance of selected Senga nicknames in relation to their social and cultural setting. It also established the etymology of the names as well as the social cultural significance of meanings expressed in the nicknames. This study adopted a qualitative approach. A purposive sampling technique was employed through which fourteen persons, who were considered sufficiently knowledgeable in the Senga language, provided an accurate explanation of the data. The participants were drawn from Chama District of the Eastern Province of Zambia. Data was collected through an interview guide, which was administered to the selected research participants. Data was analysed using Social Semiotic Theory. In line with social semiotics, nicknames express both connotative and denotative meanings. In addition, Senga nicknames have social and cultural significance in that they warn witches, discourage selfishness, provide wisdom, encourage, demonstrate endurance, reprimand, teach self-reliance, show ownership, discourage laziness, expose promiscuous behaviour, hard work and traditional beliefs. Lastly, it is recommended that other aspects of Senga anthroponyms may be researched on. These might include personal names, their etymology and semantic value.