EXPLORING THE PHILOSOPHICAL UNDERPINNINGS OF IGBO QUESTION NAMES

Abstract

Question names are not common in most languages. They are in Igbo though not explicit in the written form of the language. The objective of this study is among others to: (i) find out the spread of question names in Igbo land; (ii) explain why they are not recognized as a prominent form of Igbo names and (iii) explain the bases of question names in the life of the Igbo people.
The theoretical framework adopted for the study is the conversation analysis framework. Survey research method is used for the investigation. The respondents were randomly selected from their state groups in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State to ascertain the question names in their various areas; the reason for the use and adoption; the distribution and spread and philosophy behind the names The findings of the study showed that: (i) question names are spread throughout Igbo land and are found among the rich and the poor;(ii) question names are not easily recognised because in writing the are not written as questions and (iii) The bases of the question names spring from the spiritual, cultural and philosophical nature of the people. Question names create avenue for continuous contemplation and examination of life and life circumstances. Question names are recommended to be recognised as a common and prominent form of Igbo names that should be studied in-depth.