Factors determining Goat Names in the Sukuma Speech Community of Tanzania

Abstract

The purpose of this article describes the factors that influence the choice of goat names in the ẞasukuma communities of Tanzania. No study being conducted to investigate these names is known, a reason this study was conducted under the guidance of Nick name and Mediated Reference or Descriptive Theories. The study used a case study design and was grounded on the Phenomenology Paradigm which was considered appropriate for obtaining qualitative information about the concerned topic. Ten informants were selected purposively through snowball sampling techniques from two villages: Mwamashimba village located in Kwimba District in Mwanza Region and Kasamwa Village in Geita District. Unstructured interviews and focus group discussion were the instruments used to collect data. The study revealed three determinant factors of goat names given by the ẞasukuma people namely:  Structure (e.g. Bhuyenze, ẞusolo or nsolo), color (e.g. Matimyabhili, Shilungu, Ng’hubha, Bhulegi and Ibhala or Wilongo) and etymology (e.g. Subhi). Each goat name has cultural signification in the Sukuma speech community. Based on the findings, it was concluded that names are very important in social and cultural maintenance in Sukuma speech communities. It is recommended that children have to be taught the traditional names that signify phenomena related to lives such as events, birth, beliefs, agriculture, unity, peace and healing.