ASSIGNMENT 3 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO. 836973
DUE DATE: 30 APRIL 2025
, AFL1501
Assignment 3 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number: 836973
Due Date: 30 April 2025
Language Through an African Lens
Question 1.1
Define the term "Naming conventions" and discuss the significance in an African
culture. (Unit 3.4)
Naming conventions are culturally established rules or traditions that guide how
individuals are named in a society.
In African cultures, naming goes beyond identification. It signifies heritage, spirituality,
and social circumstances. For example:
Circumstantial Names: Reflect birth events (e.g., “Nthabiseng” – joy in Sotho).
Lineage/Ancestral Names: Used to honor past relatives or elders.
Cultural Identity: Naming preserves tribal or ethnic identities and connects
individuals to communal values. These conventions help in maintaining historical
continuity and communal belonging.
Question 1.2
In what ways does language relate to identity? Discuss two examples taken from
Unit 3.6.
Language is a core part of identity, shaping how individuals see themselves and are
perceived by others.