Naming and identity: a cross-cultural study of personal naming practices

HRAF Press • New Haven • Published In • Pages: ??•
By Alford, Richard

Hypothesis

'Given name' as the only component of the complete, personal name will be negatively associated with societal size and complexity (52).

Note

Most significant correlations were with presence of derogatory-protective names (Tau = -0.21, p < 0.01), complexity of military organization (Tau = - 0.38, p < 0.01), greater power of religious authorities compared to political leaders (Tau = -0.38, p < 0.01), and population (Tau = - 0.41, p < 0.01). At p < 0.05 significance, the variable name taboo (deceased) is positively associated, and elaborate birth ceremonies, naming signifies parenthood, societal complexity, judicial authority, extralocal jurisdictional levels, belief in high gods, and religious organization are negatively associated.

Test

Test NameSupportSignificanceCoefficientTail
Kendall's TauSupportedp < 0.05UNKNOWNUNKNOWN

Variables

Variable NameVariable Type OCM Term(s)
Belief In High GodsDependentSpirits And Gods
Elaborate Birth CeremonyDependentChildbirth
Judicial AuthorityDependentJudicial Authority
Name Taboo (deceased)DependentPersonal Names
PopulationDependentPopulation
Societal ComplexityDependentTerritorial Hierarchy
Religious OrganizationDependentTheological Systems, Priesthood
'Given Name' as Exclusive Name ComponentIndependentPersonal Names
Presence of Derogatory-Protective NamesDependentPersonal Names
Military ComplexityDependentMilitary Organization
Power of Religious Authorities Greater than Political LeadersDependentCommunity Heads, Priesthood
Naming Signifies ParenthoodDependentAge Stratification, Naming, Personal Names