Onomastics: A Brief Study of Kurya Dog Names of Tanzania

Abstract

This paper dwells Onomastics investigation of Kurya dog names and the factors for their nature and nurture. The paper argues that names are not just for identification but are things. The previous literatures on domesticated animals especially in Tanzania talks on goats and cows, dogs have not been considered, thus it is the current study which fulfills descriptive gaps under the casual theory of proper names. The study used qualitative approach under a case study design whereby ten Kurya informants were selected snobally. The reason for their selection was due to that they are Kurya native speakers and the possess dogs at their homes. Observation and unstructured interviews were the instruments of data collection. The former was done for observing dogs' behavior and appearances and the latter was organized special for unstructured interview with the Kurya natives of Tanzania. The study revealed eight Kurya dog names namely: Mokera, Mesanga, Nyabhutwi, Mrito, Msungu, Mang'iti, Nyamanya and Kyeng'e. Three reasons justified the nature and nurture of these names as in appearance (color, structure, size, hair, and shape), origin and behavior. It was conclude that dog names are things in African context because they echo socio-cultural milieu for strong sanctuary and attendant purposes.