http://linguisticmystic.com/2006/07/30/this-post-left-unnamed-so-that-you-dont-have-power-over-it/ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:31:28 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 http://linguisticmystic.com/2006/07/30/this-post-left-unnamed-so-that-you-dont-have-power-over-it/#comment-12 When your name isn’t really you… » Notes from a Linguistic Mystic Fri, 13 Oct 2006 18:45:56 +0000 http://linguisticmystic.com/2006/07/30/this-post-left-unnamed-so-that-you-dont-have-power-over-it/#comment-12 [...] So, for one of my classes, I’ve been doing some research on the Samoan language and culture.  It’s a truly fascinating language, built on a very small sound system, and nearly everything is done through syntax and word-order in the grammar.  Given my past interest in name usage around the world (and in the galaxy), I thought I’d drop a quick note about one of the really interesting ways that names and titles are given in their culture. [...] […] So, for one of my classes, I’ve been doing some research on the Samoan language and culture.  It’s a truly fascinating language, built on a very small sound system, and nearly everything is done through syntax and word-order in the grammar.  Given my past interest in name usage around the world (and in the galaxy), I thought I’d drop a quick note about one of the really interesting ways that names and titles are given in their culture. […]

]]> http://linguisticmystic.com/2006/07/30/this-post-left-unnamed-so-that-you-dont-have-power-over-it/#comment-8 Language and the Force: A Primer in Gand Sociolinguistics » Notes from a Linguistic Mystic Sun, 03 Sep 2006 19:59:11 +0000 http://linguisticmystic.com/2006/07/30/this-post-left-unnamed-so-that-you-dont-have-power-over-it/#comment-8 [...] I’ve discussed the power of names in the past, but this is taking the idea to a whole new level.  I’ve never heard of a language, culture, or speech community where a name is not assigned to a person until they “earn” it, and would be fascinated to hear about it if anybody has.  However, the idea of name changes with great accomplishments (or great demerits) is not uncommon.  In some Native American cultures, a child changes names at the end of adolescence, once he or she has proven his or her worth and become an adult.  In addition, a warrior winning a great battle may be given a new name to celebrate the accomplishment.  However, to the best of my knowledge, there isn’t a system by which these names can be given and removed as frequently and non-chalantly as in Stackpole’s view of the Gand cutlure. [...] […] I’ve discussed the power of names in the past, but this is taking the idea to a whole new level.  I’ve never heard of a language, culture, or speech community where a name is not assigned to a person until they “earn” it, and would be fascinated to hear about it if anybody has.  However, the idea of name changes with great accomplishments (or great demerits) is not uncommon.  In some Native American cultures, a child changes names at the end of adolescence, once he or she has proven his or her worth and become an adult.  In addition, a warrior winning a great battle may be given a new name to celebrate the accomplishment.  However, to the best of my knowledge, there isn’t a system by which these names can be given and removed as frequently and non-chalantly as in Stackpole’s view of the Gand cutlure. […]

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