A name reflects and reinforces an identity both when it is given and when it is changed. African Muslim Names discusses the social and cultural significance of proper names. It explains how names are chosen for newborns in African societies and the values they represent. In these days of mounting interest in identity and culture, many Muslim Africans and African-Americans and others wish to know the meanings of the names they choose so that they reflect their aspirations for their children and themselves. The names found here come mainly from Hausa-Fulani and Kiswahili - the two major languages spoken by millions of people throughout the African continent. Sharif Zawawi draws on history, linguistics, anthropology and religion to provide a study of Muslim personal names in the context of family relationships, adoption, marriage, conversion and social movements.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SHARIFA M. ZAZAWI teaches Linguistics and Swahili Language and Literature at City College (CUNY) New York. She is the author of Learn Kiswahili Vol.I: Kiswahili Kwa Kitendo (AWP 1990); Learn Our Kiswahili Vol.II; Ifunze Kiswahili Chetu (AWP 1993); Converse Kiswahili Onega (AWP 1991); and What's in a Name? Unaitwaje? A Swahili Book of Names (AWP 1993).

 

Religion, Linguistics, Cultural Studies, AFRICA