A Socio Semantic Analysis of Ilaje Names

Student: Faith Oluwasegun Oyetayo (Project, 2025)
Department of Linguistics
Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study conducts a socio-semantic analysis of Ilaje names, focusing on the interplay between social contexts, cultural identity, and the meanings embedded in personal names within the Ilaje community of southwestern Nigeria. Ilaje names are rich in symbolism, reflecting both personal and communal values, as well as broader societal norms. By examining a range of names across different generations, the study identifies recurring themes such as familial lineage, ancestral reverence, socio-political status, and religious influences. The research employs a socio- semantic framework to analyze the relationship between the meanings of names and the social functions they perform within Ilaje society. Through qualitative data gathered from interviews, archival records, and cultural texts, the study explores how naming practices not only signify individual identity but also reinforce collective memory and social cohesion. Additionally, the analysis reveals how changes in Ilaje naming conventions over time reflect broader shifts in socio-political and religious dynamics. This research contributes to the understanding of how language, culture, and social structure intersect in the formation of personal identities and community relationships in Ilaje society.

Keywords
ilaje names social analysis personal semantic cultural identity meanings community
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