Abstract
In Africa, names are not assigned arbitrarily. They are deliberately chosen to reflect communities’ social, economic and political understandings. The Meru people, residing in northeastern Tanzania, near Mount Meru, identify themselves through ethnic names that embody their cultural practices. This article examines the significance of Meru traditional names, variations and their enduring value in increasing globalisation and cultural homogenisation, drawing on data from the Meru community. Employing a case study design, qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with 49 participants recruited using snowball sampling. Thematic analysis, facilitated by Microsoft Excel, was utilised for data transcription and coding. The findings indicate that naming traditions in the Meru community catalyse establishing and reinforcing social and historical cohesion, identity, a sense of affiliation with God, and cultural heritage. However, the article critiques certain naming conventions perpetuating gender inequality and suggests that future research should explore broader comparisons across cultures
Recommended Citation
Pallangyo, Wariaeli Ismaeli and Sane, Eliakimu
(2024)
"The Significance and Impact of Traditional Naming Practices in the Meru Community of Tanzania,"
Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences: Vol. 13:
No.
2, Article 20.
DOI: 10.56279/13/2/8
Available at:
https://commons.udsm.ac.tz/jhss/vol13/iss2/20