Naming in the Muslim and Xhosa communities: A comparative analysis

Abstract

In Islamic Law, the choice of a good name is a fundamental childhood right. It is hoped that the name will inspire self-respect and in the years that lie ahead will give the child something to aspire to. Muslim parents therefore choose lexical items from Arabic that will emphasise a good personality or character feature envisaged for the child.

Although it is not commonly expressed as a ‘right’ in Xhosa society, it appears as if most isiXhosa-speaking parents also accept and practise this naming convention. Items with a positive meaning or connotation are selected from the isiXhosa lexicon to be used in name formation.

It is argued in this contribution that the Muslim community, consisting mostly of the so-called ‘Coloured’ grouping, and the isiXhosa-speaking community of the Western Cape, South Africa, in effect partially practise the same name-giving conventions when bestowing names on children, although the basic philosophy on the one hand (Muslim) is inspired by a specific religious affiliation and is also intimately connected with the Arabic language, whereas in the other (Xhosa) it is firmly embedded in the Xhosa culture and language. The examples are from the names of students at the University of the Western Cape.