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Place names in post-colonial Africa: A case study of Ibibiod languages

Inimbom James Akpan (Department of Linguistics, University of Calabar, Nigeria) and Ekaete Evangel Akpan (Department of Linguistics, and Communication Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria)

Email: favour1994@yahoo.com and angelvangel2001@yahoo.com

 

ABSTRACT:

Naming is a significant sociocultural phenomenon in African societies. In Africa, names are not haphazardly chosen, and the Ibibiod place names are no exception. Each name conveys a certain message. The Ibibiod place names have spanned both the colonial and post-colonial eras. Many have retained the original forms and structure while some have modernised along with the changing times. We intend to carry out a study into what changes have taken place and the significance of such changes in relation to post-colonial sociocultural and sociolinguistic developments. The study intends to contribute to knowledge by way of providing a glossary of Ibibioid place. It will examine the various variables that influence the choice of names. Ultimately, the study seeks to create awareness and increase the impact of the African post-colonial sociocultural heritage on the world situation.