Ubuciko Bokwethiwa Kwamagama

Ubuciko Bokwethiwa Kwamagama is a scholarly book on onomastics. Showcasing the art of naming practices in African societies, it is the first of its kind to be written in isiZulu. The book is divided into four comprehensive parts and covers subjects such as the naming of people and their nicknames, surnames, houses, places, roads and taxis. The contributors reveal the rich history of how African names are given and also discuss challenges encountered during naming practices. Compelling short stories are included about how children from polygamous families are named. The book explores the craft of nicknames and their influence on shaping people’s identities in South African societies. It also analyses the naming of land plots, Zulu royal palaces, nicknames in sport, travel guest houses and lodges, and the continuous name changes of South African cities. The last part focuses on the naming of taxis and the renamed roads in eThekwini (Durban) as part of decolonisation.