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