A MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF FEMALE NICKNAMES IN IGBO

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to determine the cultural significance of these names as well as their meaning. It examined the patriarchal aspects of the nicknames as well as their propensity for symbolic features. The foundation is based on the concept of social identity theory. The researcher is from the area. As a result, the speaker uses his understanding of the dialect to gather information for this study. The results show that Igbo women give each other nicknames depending on their personality. The origins of the nicknames are as follows: There is harmony, intimacy, and communal life among Igbo women. The social Implications include preserving Igbo culture and uniting women as one body. One is that they are from diverse backgrounds. The nicknames used by the Igbo people as part of their naming system have peculiar morphological patterns that set them apart from other nicknames. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the morphology of a few Igbo nicknames. 55 nicknames were gathered through face-to-face conversations with elders and name bearers in the Awka etiti area. By segmenting, identifying, and describing the morphemes that make up these nicknames, the study used a descriptive research strategy that was heavily informed by a qualitative approach to data descriptive and lexical analysis of morphological structures. In order to change the meaning of a nickname, prefixes and suffixes must be added to the root or stem of the word. According to the study's findings, nicknames have semantic value that is influenced by socio-cultural element. Given that no single study can address all aspects of nicknames, the study suggests additional research based on these findings. Government and charitable donors should devote more time and money to academic research on nicknames that can provide knowledge that can be used as study and research resources in classrooms.