Speaking Double: A Socio, Phonological and Semantic Analysis of Naming Twins in Botswana

Abstract

The concept of naming twin children brings interesting dynamics in the Botswana culture, more so because
twins were generally eliminated in pre-independence Botswana because of spiritual or cultural beliefs
associated with them being ominous. Thus, how twin children are named in terms of the socio-economic
situation at the time effectively creates a treasure trove of information for researchers. This paper deals
with twin names of different genders in the Botswana context. Its focus is threefold. Firstly, it gives an anthropological
background on twin births and their naming in the colonial era. Secondly, it establishes that
the naming of twins is essentially a new occurrence in the Botswana society. Lastly, the paper also looks at
twin names from a phonological perspective and establishes that there is a correlation between Setswana
twin names of opposite genders and phonology. The paper is multi-faceted so it draws from approaches of
socio-onomastics and the sociology of names which are loosely guided by social anthropological theories.
The paper has revealed; i) distinct phonological qualities of female and male twin names; ii) several morphological
processes employed in the creation of the names and; iii) the existence of gender stereotyping
in the names.