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

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

Hypothesis

Taboos on the use of personal names will be negatively associated with societal complexity (109).

Note

Most significant (p < 0.01) associations occurred with the variables name uniqueness (Tau = 0.30), name taboo (deceased) (Tau = 0.41), extralocal jurisdictional levels (Tau = -0.35), social classes (Tau = 0.26), belief in reincarnation (Tau = -0.43), exuvial magic (Tau = 0.31), and population (Tau = -0.28). At p < 0.05 significance, the variable reference by kin term is positively associated, and societal complexity, technological complexity, political authority, literacy, and power of religious authorities greater than political leaders are negatively associated.

Test

Test NameSupportSignificanceCoefficientTail
Kendall's TauSupportedp < 0.05UNKNOWNUNKNOWN

Variables

Variable NameVariable Type OCM Term(s)
LiteracyDependentWriting
Name Taboo (deceased)DependentPersonal Names
Political AuthorityDependentCommunity Heads, Territorial Hierarchy
PopulationDependentPopulation
Social ClassesDependentClasses
Societal ComplexityDependentTerritorial Hierarchy
Technological ComplexityDependentAgricultural Machinery
Exuvial MagicDependentMagic
Extralocal Jurisdictional LevelsDependentJudicial Authority, Territorial Hierarchy
Belief in ReincarnationDependentEschatology
Power of Religious Authorities Greater than Political LeadersDependentCommunity Heads, Priesthood
Name UniquenessDependentPersonal Names
Naming Occurs LaterDependentNaming, Personal Names
Reference by Kin TermDependentKinship Terminology, Personal Names
Name Taboo (Personal)IndependentPersonal Names