Seeing the World through the Onomastic Lens: Xitsonga Anthroponyms and Toponyms

Originating from discussions at the 2018 Names Society of Southern Africa (NSSA) Conference, the scholarly work Seeing the World through the Onomastic Lens: Xitsonga Anthroponyms and Toponyms meticulously explores the onomastics of the understudied Xitsonga language. The book compiles chapters that significantly advance the understanding of personal names (anthroponyms), place names (toponyms), and ethnonyms within the community. It incisively examines the diverse facets of Vatsonga naming practices, illuminating the cultural and social forces shaping personal naming trends. Moreover, the volume investigates the craft of character naming in modern literature, demonstrating how authors employ Xitsonga names to enrich characterization and narrative progression. This linguistically reflective and explorative book serves as a key resource for students and practitioners in linguistic studies, African studies, social anthropology, policy studies, history, and onomastics.