ABSTRACT
This study explores the morpho-semantic structure of wealth-related names in the Edo language, with a focus on understanding the interplay between linguistic form and the cultural significance associated with wealth in the community. The research investigates how different morphemes combine to form names that reflect social status, prosperity, and material success in the Edo ethnic group. Through a detailed analysis of the morphological composition of such names, the study identifies recurring linguistic patterns and examines their semantic implications within the socio-cultural context of the Edo people. The analysis focuses on the derivational processes by which names are created, such as the use of prefixes, suffixes, and inflectional forms that are associated with wealth or fortune. Additionally, the study looks at the symbolic meanings embedded in these names, considering how they reflect values, traditions, and social aspirations related to economic success, inheritance, and social mobility.
The paper employs qualitative methods, including fieldwork and textual analysis of historical records and oral traditions, to uncover the underlying linguistic structures. It also explores the dynamic relationship between language and identity, highlighting how wealth-related names serve as markers of status and cultural heritage. Finally, the study provides insights into understanding the social fabric of the Edo people, contributing to the ongoing discourse in African linguistics. By offering a deeper understanding of the morpho-semantic nature of wealth-related names in Edo, this research aims to shed light on how language both shapes and is shaped by economic and social values, contributing to the broader field of name studies and cultural linguistics.
