Considers countries around the African Lakes such as Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zaire, and Zimbabwe, but a variety of names from other southern African countries is included.
This volume looks at the in-depth meaning of indigenous as well as adopted African names. African personal names have multitudinous functions such as the association of one's occupation, habits and personality. Many African names emanate from one's ancestry through clan, ethnic/tribal or religious affiliation. Since most of these names emanate from the 'Bantuphone' region of the east, central and southern Africa, it is not uncommon for many of these names to have a similar meaning albeit different pronunciation.
“...what distinguishes this book from previous ones is its simplicity in name descriptions and definitions. The alphabetical listings of these names as well as its well-prepared index will be very helpful to those who are not familiar with African appellations. This book is highly recommended for scholars and students of African anthropology, linguistics, literature, history and politics as well as those in the African/Black diaspora who are interested in learning more about African culture.”
Until the publication of this book, it was extremely difficult to find any volume that collects and defines the meanings of the African names in English...This book is highly recommended for scholars and students of African anthropology, linguistics, literature, history and politics, as well as anyone interested in learning more about an important aspect of African Culture. African Studies Quarterly
The 6,000 examples are fascinating to read, and will most certainly open up a new area in the field of nomenclature...This index is an impressive volume and should fill a large void in the area of etymology. It is highly recommended. American Reference Books Annual
Journal of Counterterrorism and Homeland Security
Musere has produced an informative volume that will be of use to students and scholars of Africa for years to come. International Journal of African Historical Studies
His introduction is a splendidly informative essay...Musere's book is packed with information and it is easy to consult. Library Review
Jonathan Musere (M.A., UCLA) has worked in a broad range of disciplines, including Afro-American Studies and Environmental Studies. His other books have treated the cultural and political significance of the African sleeping sickness.
African names are elaborately structured and contain more than one possible interpretation of meaning. They can associate one with family, location, and occupation. Many commemorate major occurrences or traditions of the culture. The range of significance is broad, making an understanding of African names not just a valuable personal tool, but also a study aid to African culture and traditions. Traditional African Names considers primarily countries around the African Lakes such as Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zaire, and Zimbabwe, but a wide variety of names from other southern African countries are included as well. Using thousands of detailed examples, the book identifies the genesis and evolution in African name formation and meaning. Many of the 6,000 names (complete with pronunciation guidelines) are treated in English for the first time. Each entry discusses the origins of the name, its meaning, and the wide cultural and social connotations of its use, as well as variations and differences in the meanings of similar words used in related ethnic contexts. This analysis provides a unique reservoir of information concerning migration, assimilation, and cultural cross-connection.
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