Naming Among the Lugbara Of North Western Uganda: Relevance To in Culturation
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Date
2003
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Tangaza University College
Abstract
This study examines naming among the Lugbara of North Western Uganda:
Relevance to inculturation. This study was sparked by the fact that traditional Lugbara
values and other cultural practices are disappearing or regarded as primitive and
uncivilized with the strong influence of westernization yet these values are to be the
foundation of any modern missionary and technological enterprise. Experience has
shown that we give what we have, and add onto what we have that we have received,
this seems to be the opposite with evangelization. Secondly there is such a joy and
celebration when a newborn child is received in the family and the clan by the naming
rituals and ceremonies, conversely with Christian baptism there is no such a joy and
celebration among the Christians. Could Lugbara names be used for Christian
baptism, thus making them relevant for inculturation? It is in this context, this study is
conceived.
The study aims at examining who the Lugbara are and the religious beliefs,
practices and meanings that surround naming among the Lugbara people. It also aims
at examining the relationship between names and personal identity. The methodology
used in this study is a qualitative one. This method will help to determine the study
population, sampling procedures, and the methods of data collection. The information
used here is obtained from questionnaires, interviews and observations. Secondary
sources from the library were also used in this study. The data will be analyzed and
interpreted using descriptive statistics, qualitative techniques, frequencies and
percentages to arrive at the findings in this study.
It is found out that what we call today Christian names were names from a
particular culture with their religious meanings. But what made them Christian was
the fact that they were conferred in the name of God, that is "In the name of the
Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". The same could also apply to the
Lugbara names. This process of inculturation would only succeed, when the Lugbara
themselves are involved and educated on the importance of having a Christian name
that has a Lugbara traditional origin. This practice of naming apart from other cultural
values would help the Lugbara Christians have a spirituality that is authentic,
convinced and meaningful to them.
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Keywords
Naming, Lugbara, Culturation