A PRAGMATIC EXPLORATION OF NAMES AND NAMING IN ILAJE OF ONDO STATE NIGERIA
Authors
Kayode Emmanuel Sikiru
Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos
Author
Racheal Oluwaseun Bello
Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos
Author
Kikelomo Olusola Adeniyi
Lagos State University of Education, Oto/Ijanikin, Lagos
Author
Keywords:
Pragmatics,
Speech Act Theory,
Onomastic,
Context,
Names and Naming,
Ilaje Personal Names
Abstract
This study investigates the pragmatic analysis of names and naming in Ilaje society. It adopts Bach and Harnish’s pragmatic theory and Searle’s speech act classification to analyse selected Ilaje proper names. Data were obtained through introspection, personal interviews, and library materials. Findings show that Ilaje personal names are largely contextual, carry background meanings, and perform direct, indirect, and intended speech acts. The study also finds that Ilaje names reflect situational, psychological, and sociological competences, showing that names do not merely identify bearers but also communicate experiences, values, beliefs, and circumstances surrounding the bearer or the bearer’s parents.
