Research articles

Naming in the Muslim and Xhosa communities: A comparative analysis

Published in: South African Journal of African Languages
Volume 32 , issue 2 , 2012 , pages: 161–166

DOI: 10.2989/SAJAL.2012.32.2.7.1144

Author(s): Bertie Neethling Xhosa Department, South Africa

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.

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