The changes in the naming practice of children born out of marriage in Sesotho

Implications for culture and society

Abstract

This paper explores the naming practices of children born out of wedlock in Sesotho. In the past, society raised and groomed Basotho girls to become wives and having a child outside of marriage was considered unacceptable. If by mistake a girl got pregnant out of wedlock, she was considered a shame not only to her family but to the whole community. As a result, unmarried women faced stigma and discrimination in their communities, which were portrayed by names given to their children. The names accorded to such children were stigmatizing and conveyed a negative message or attitude towards them. Considering the alarming increase in teenage pregnancy, one would expect more derogatory names in Basotho communities. However, data collected from digital media, particularly Facebook dialogues, and casual conversations portray an observable shift in the naming practices of children born out of wedlock in recent years. Through socio-onomastic theory, this qualitative study aims to understand the variation in the naming practice of children born out of marriage, its significance, and broader repercussions for Sesotho culture and society. It is observed that social changes, including the increasing education and employment opportunities for women, have impacted culture and tradition. The economic independence of Basotho women has bestowed them power and autonomy, which have earned them and their children societal recognition and respect. The observed changes reflect a broader shift in societal attitudes towards unmarried women and children born out of wedlock.