Describing the collocation feature in finite-predicator Sesotho personal names: A systemic functional linguistics approach

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the discourse of collocation on Sesotho finite predicators as enacted personal names. This qualitative study underpins Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) and anthroponymy theoretical designs to describe these names’ socio-cultural functions and explicate name givers’ evaluation (modality) of experiences around various birth contexts and expressed as finite predicator names. Population amounts to one hundred and fifteen. Data was collected using the participant-observation instrument and used for purposive random sampling. Findings display that collocation employs semantics concepts to describe finite-predicators as onomastica that enfold interpersonal function. The contribution is that social perspective complements the names’ linguistic description and elevates finite predicators to function as permanent identity markers. The names create discourse, extend language use, and explicate name givers’ creative potential. It is recommended that collocation on finite-predicators amplifies and emancipates the verbal group as semiotic onomastica. The study has implications for Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Language Education, Sociology and Cultural Studies.