Frog, where are you?: the ethnopragmatics of Ibibio death prevention names

Abstract

This article investigates death prevention names among the Ibibio in south-eastern Nigeria from ethnographic and ethnopragmatic perspectives. Ibibio death prevention names can generate and maintain some level of assurance and security that is vital for a child's survival given the implicit assumption that some kind of spiritual forces are at work. These names are believed to link the name bearer to his/her past, ancestors and spirituality. The article argues that these names are not just ordinary labels or markers of identity but are of immense supernatural relevance, influencing among other things the notion of personhood, ethnocentrism, and celestial events. Ibibio death prevention names are pointers to the Ibibio social universe and cultural experience and give insights into their indigenous values, belief system, attitude, and emotions. The study aims to enrich ongoing dialogue on ethnicity and identity and illuminate the place of onomastics within a broad interdisciplinary spectrum.