Naming and identity: a cross-cultural study of personal naming practices
HRAF Press • New Haven • Published In • Pages: ??•
By Alford, Richard
Hypothesis
Names with semantic meaning will be negatively associated with societal size and complexity (60).
Note
Most significant correlations occurred with presence of teknonymy (Tau = 0.44, p < 0.01) and belief in spirits with limited control (Tau = -0.22, p < 0.01). At p < 0.05 significance, the variables name changes in male's life, name changes in individual's life, and exuvial magic are positively associated, and population is negatively associated
| Test Name | Support | Significance | Coefficient | Tail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kendall's Tau | Supported | p < 0.05 | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Variable Name | Variable Type | OCM Term(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Population | Dependent | Population |
| Teknonymy | Dependent | Personal Names |
| Exuvial Magic | Dependent | Magic |
| Semantically Meaningful Names | Independent | Personal Names |
| Belief in Spirits with Limited Control | Dependent | Spirits And Gods |
| Name Changes in Male's Life | Dependent | Personal Names, Naming |
| Name Changes in Individual's Life | Dependent | Personal Names, Naming |