“A SEMANTIC ANALYSIS OF DI TITLE NAMES IN IGBO

Abstract

This study is a semantic investigation of Di names in Igbo. it intends to examine and give account of the socio-cultural semantic perception, conception and interpretation of Di in relation to title names in Igbo. Igbo names and Igbo naming system has attracted scholarly interest over the years. However none of the previous studies in Igbo title names, Igbo names and naming system in general have accounted for the socio-cultural semantics of Di title names in Igbo. The study adopts the theoretical framework of Onomastics, which is a natural framework for study of names. Some tenets of anthroponomy were also applied since the study relies on the socio-cultural perceptual views of the people. Data for the study were elucidated directed from people bearing Di title names, as well as some selected community elders conceived to be custodians of tradition and culture of the people. The study among other findings reveals that Di names are title names. It also finds that the Di title names in Igbo can be conceptualized and interpreted into six socio-cultural categories of Lordship, Mastery, Attitude, Occupation, Position, and Kinship, reflecting the cognitive and socio-cultural knowledge of the people and their immediate society.