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 Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi

BENUE JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE AND LINGUISITIC STUDIES (BEJOLLS), Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026)



PRAGMATIC ANALYSIS OF TIV THEOPHORIC NAMES



Abstract

The pragmatic study of Tiv theophoric names explores the significance of Tiv names in the lives of their bearers, employing a descriptive research design and unstructured interviews to gather rich, qualitative data. Guided by an ethno-pragmatic approach, the research reveals that Tiv theophoric names play multifaceted roles, acting as performative, declarative, and testimonial utterances that convey spiritual values, experiences, and beliefs. The findings show that these names not only shape the bearer’s identity but also facilitate communication, foster a sense of community, and serve as a witness of one’s faith to others. The study concludes that Tiv theophoric names are a vital part of the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Tiv people and recommends further research and documentation of native African names to preserve their significance for posterity. The study contributes to the growing body of research on the pragmatics of names and highlights the importance of understanding the cultural context of naming practices in Africa.



Key words: Pragmatics, Theophoric names, Tiv language, Naming practices

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