Rethabile Possa: Offspring of Outcast - Basotho Cultural Significance of Naming

 

The lecture series Onomastics Online continued on 11 December 2025 with a lecture presented by Rethabile Possa (University of Cape Town, South Africa) with the title "Offspring of an Outcast: The Cultural Significance of Naming Among the Basotho". Keywords: #Onomastictheory, #Basotho #namingpractices, #socialidentity, #culturalheritage, #marginalisation Abstract: This study explores the cultural context of naming practices among the Basotho, using onomastic theory to analyze the socio-cultural meanings embedded in names. Names in Basotho society are not arbitrary; they reflect social status, historical events, and communal values. The research investigates how individuals labeled as “outcasts” are named and how these names carry social implications that influence identity, belonging, and social interactions. Through qualitative methods, including interviews and textual analysis, the study examines the semantic, morphological, and sociolinguistic features of names associated with marginalization. Onomastic theory provides a framework to understand how names act as social markers, reinforcing or challenging societal norms. The findings reveal that names associated with social exclusion often carry a historical and emotional burden, reflecting broader societal attitudes toward marginality. Additionally, the study underscores the dynamic nature of naming practices, as shifts in social perceptions influence the redefinition and reclamation of once-stigmatized names. The research contributes to the understanding of identity construction through language, offering insights into the relationship between naming practices, cultural heritage, and social cohesion within Basotho communities. Connect with the speaker: https://g.co/kgs/wH83iUj | https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3472-7270 Onomastics Online (ICOS – International Council of Onomastic Sciences) is a series of online lectures dealing with important timely topics related to names and naming. Presented by distinguished scholars from various academic backgrounds, the lectures demonstrate the importance and the multidisciplinary nature of onomastic research. To see the list of upcoming and past lectures, please visit our webpage at: https://icosweb.net/onomastics-online/. Previous lectures can be found on our YouTube channel:    / @theinternationalcouncilofo2460  . If you are interested in ICOS membership, please see the details here: https://icosweb.net/membership/member....