A SEMANTIC STUDY OF SETTLEMENT NAMES IN IGBO LANGUAGE

This research focuses on the semantic study of settlement names in Igbo language. The research basically examines the meaning of various settlement names and how they are derived. The methodology used in the research work involves field work, of which data was collected from the native speakers of Amasiri community in Afikpo North of Ebonyi state. Conceptual theory is adopted for the research. The data were carefully grouped, calssified and analyzed. Through the analysis, our findings show that settlement names have meaning, some have descriptive information identifying the bearers in terms of their deeds, physical strength and to their personalities. More so, people‟s professions, commercial activities and geographical features have immensely influenced the meaning of naming patterns of settlement names in Amasiri. This work recommends for proper documentation of the settlement names in Igbo land thereby preserving an essential cultural heritage for posterity purpose.