Socio-pragmatic Aspects of the Kurya Nicknames against First Names Given after Birth

This study investigated the socio-pragmatic aspects of nicknames in Kurya, a Bantu language spoken in northwestern Tanzania. The study was motivated by the fact that the available literature on personal names does not offer adequate information about what determines the selection of a Nicknames assigned to a person in the Kurya community and whether nicknames are semantically related to the personal names given after birth. The study employed a qualitative approach and a case study design. Its data were collected through interviews and critical documentary analysis whereby a total of six Kurya nicknames were obtained. The data were then analysed on the basis of Cognitive Semantics Theory and construal principles in particular. The findings indicated that Kidanga, Isokhero, Engoko, Iriraghiri, Esalighoko, Irongo, Bhulenya, Etena, Inchupa, Inchughu, Amaghuha, and Kerabhoko are Kurya nicknames whose assignment was influenced by behaviour, color, structure or articulation. It was noted that most of the Kurya nicknames do not have any symbiotic relationship with their bearers’ first names given after birth; the few which appear to be in a semantic relationship with first names come just by chance. Based on the findings, the study concludes that nicknames have a very important role in any community since they reflect the construal cognition of human nature and nurture. So, communities are advised to value their personal names even though nicknames have taken over. This is because personal names are our official identities and are the ones that are supposed to appear in official documents such as identity cards unless it is stated otherwise.