395pp., illus., paperback, Langaa Research and Publishing CIG, Mankon, 2025

ISBN: 9789956003686

This edited volume is the outcome of discussions at the 20th Names Society of Southern Africa (NSSA) Conference hosted by the University of Venda in 2018.

The contributors explore the onomastics of the understudied Xitsonga language, advancing the understanding of personal names (anthroponyms), place names (toponyms), and ethnonyms within the community. They examine the diverse facets of Vatsonga naming practices, illuminating the cultural and social forces shaping personal naming trends, and investigate the craft of character naming in modern literature, demonstrating how authors employ Xitsonga names to enrich characterization and narrative progression.

Dr Mkhacani Thomas Chauke is Associate Professor in the Department of African Languages at the University of Venda.

Munyaradzi Mawere is Full Professor of African Studies and Research Chair at Great Zimbabwe University’s Simon Muzenda School of Arts, Culture, and Heritage Studies, and Professor Extraordinarius of Interdisciplinary Research at the University of South Africa.

SEEING THE WORLD THROUGH THE ONOMASTIC LENS: Xitsonga anthroponyms and toponyms

: Chauke (M.) & Mawere (M.) eds.

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