AN EXAMINATION OF NAMING CONVENTIONS AND LINGUISTIC STRUCTURES ACROSS DIVERSE CULTURES: A CROSS-LINGUISTIC PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This study employed a comparative, qualitative approach to examine naming conventions across ten linguistically distinct communities, chosen to represent a wide array of cultural and structural naming practices.  The analysis focused on categorizing naming structures based on phonetic, syntactic, and semantic attributes to identify patterns and unique features within each community's naming framework. Phonetic attributes explored sound patterns and phoneme preferences, syntactic attributes examined the arrangement and usage of names within sentences, and semantic attributes revealed the cultural and symbolic meanings embedded in name formation. This multidimensional analysis offered valuable insights into how names function as identity markers and social tools in diverse linguistic and cultural contexts. By investigating these naming conventions, the study contributes to the broader understanding of how names serve as essential elements in constructing individual and collective identity, reflecting social hierarchies, and maintaining cultural traditions. The findings also highlight the role of names in shaping perceptions and reinforcing societal values across different linguistic groups.