My name ignites generational storytelling

By Dr Yanga LP Majola, Sociolinguistic and Academic Manager for the Faculty of Humanities at the Tshwane University of Technology.

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart,” Nelson Mandela once said.
These words resonate deeply in South Africa, a nation where the colours of our 12 official languages paint a vibrant tapestry of cultures and histories. But what happens when we stumble over the very words meant to connect us – our names? Beyond simple identifiers, names in South Africa are woven with cultural weight and significance. They are echoes of our heritage, whispers of ancestral stories, and pronouncements of hopes for the future. As I’ve learned throughout my life and career studying African languages and linguistics that a name is never just a name.

Each name has a legacy

Consider the expectant parents, on the brink of welcoming new life. Their choice of name often reflects the circumstances surrounding the birth, weaving in societal realities, familial aspirations, and even personal struggles. A name like “Vusumuzi” (meaning “builder of the home”) might speak to a family’s yearning for stability, while “Tshimangadzo” (meaning “miracle”) could signify a beacon of light in challenging times[YM1] . Each name carries a story, a legacy passed down through generations. In recent years, we’ve witnessed a heartening resurgence of indigenous names. This movement signifies a powerful reconnection with heritage, a reclaiming of identities shaped by colonialism and cultural assimilation.

Rewriting the narrative

For generations, many South Africans were pressured to adopt English or “Christian” names which were given without meaning, often relegating their birth names to the shadows. This practice, however well-intentioned, created a disconnect from ancestral roots and a sense of cultural ambiguity. Today, young South Africans are rewriting this narrative. They are choosing names that celebrate their heritage, breathing life back into languages and traditions that were nearly silenced. This shift is not about rejecting other influences, but rather about embracing the richness of our diverse cultural tapestry. It’s about recognising that true unity thrives on acknowledging and respecting our differences. However, this linguistic diversity, while a source of national pride, can also create barriers.

Many South Africans struggle to pronounce names from cultures different from their own, leading to awkward encounters and missed connections. This difficulty can lead to feelings of being overlooked, devalued, and even isolated. Imagine the emotional impact of having your name, a fundamental part of your identity, consistently mispronounced. It can feel like a dismissal of your heritage, a disregard for your individuality. Conversely, the simple act of taking the time to learn and pronounce someone’s name correctly speaks volumes. It’s a gesture of respect, a bridge across cultural divides, and a testament to the power of human connection.

Embracing diversity

Cadbury’s “Real Mzansi Names” campaign beautifully embodies this spirit of generosity and connection. By highlighting the stories behind South African names and providing guidance on pronunciation, the campaign encourages us to embrace our linguistic diversity as a source of unity, not division. It reminds us that knowing someone’s name is just the first step; pronouncing it correctly is a powerful act of recognition and respect.

This initiative offers a wonderful starting point for anyone eager to learn more about the beautiful tapestry of South African names. By engaging with the campaign, listening to the stories, and practising the pronunciations, we can all contribute to a more inclusive and understanding society. Beyond Cadbury’s efforts, I encourage everyone to approach the learning of names with genuine curiosity and respect.

Ask your colleagues, friends, and neighbours about the stories behind their names. Embrace the opportunity to expand your linguistic horizons and connect with the rich cultural heritage that surrounds us. As we delve deeper into the significance of names, we begin to understand their profound impact on our individual and collective identities. They are threads that connect us to our past, our present, and our hopes for the future.

By honouring the stories behind our names, embracing our linguistic diversity, and approaching each other with a spirit of generosity, we can weave a more inclusive and unified South Africa for generations to come.