Naming and identity: a cross-cultural study of personal naming practices
HRAF Press • New Haven • Published In • Pages: ??•
By Alford, Richard
Hypothesis
Total number of name changes in an individual's lifetime will be negatively associated with societal complexity and size (86).
Note
Most significant (p < 0.01) associations occurred with the variables sex-typed names (Tau = -0.24), name uniqueness (Tau = 0.24), father picks name (Tau = -0.45), number of name taboos ((Tau = 0.21), and matrilineal descent (Tau = 0.28). At p < 0.05 significance, the variables address by kin term, reference by kin term, name taboo (in-laws), name taboo (deceased), and belief in spirits with limited control are positively associated, while naming signifies parenthood and population are negatively associated.
| Test Name | Support | Significance | Coefficient | Tail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kendall's Tau | Supported | p < 0.05 | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Variable Name | Variable Type | OCM Term(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Matrilineal Descent | Dependent | Rule Of Descent |
| Name Taboo (deceased) | Dependent | Personal Names |
| Population | Dependent | Population |
| Sex-Typed Names | Dependent | Personal Names, Gender Status |
| Belief in Spirits with Limited Control | Dependent | Spirits And Gods |
| Naming Signifies Parenthood | Dependent | Age Stratification, Naming, Personal Names |
| Name Uniqueness | Dependent | Personal Names |
| Name Changes During Lifetime | Independent | Naming, Personal Names |
| Address by Kin Term | Dependent | Kinship Terminology, Personal Names |
| Reference by Kin Term | Dependent | Kinship Terminology, Personal Names |
| Number of Name Taboos | Dependent | Personal Names |
| Father Picks Name | Dependent | Personal Names, Naming |
| Name Taboo (In-Laws) | Dependent | Personal Names, Regulation Of Marriage |