The Language Contents and Other Values of Igbo ?z? Title- Names in Towns East of the Niger: The Example of Nkpor and Her Neighbours

Abstract

?z? is an old institution in many parts of Igboland. ?z? title-taking among others is also an achievement that deserves respect. Many scholars have studied intensively and extensively ?z? as institution as well as the title-taking that goes with it. Very little attention has been given to study the names taken during this title-taking. This paper analyzed some of these names in their language contents, and some social and religious imports. It ends with the observation that there is proliferation of title-giving and -taking today, and suggests the role Government could play to preserve this institution in its past glory and significance.

Keywords: The language contents and other values of title names.