A sociolinguistic analysis of Kongo anthroponyms in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Different typologies of anthroponyms found in African communities are also identified in the Kongo community of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their social contexts share more similarities than differences. Kongo anthroponyms related to the good and virtue category, such as Lusakumunu and Ngolo, are identified in the Nigerian Igbo community as Ngozi and Ike. The social context related to how the name bearer will be in the future is also identified with Mvuama and Nsimambote. The Ugandan Rukiga community similarly names a baby Mutungi expecting a wealthy person.