Global Studies Seminar: The evolving Power of the Name and Surname in African Cultures

January 28, 2019
Global Studies Seminar: The evolving Power of the Name and Surname in African Cultures


Dr. Matthew Hayes and Dr. Shaun Narine are continuing their Global Studies Seminars this term, showcasing faculty research and facilitating discussion on global, international, and transnational studies.

The first of the three seminars, titled "From Childhood to Adulthood: The evolving Power of the Name and Surname in African Cultures," will be presented by Christian Mbarga of the Department of Romance Languages.

"The Beti-Fang people, (‘Pahouin’) are located in Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Congo and Sao Tomé & Principe islands," Mbarga said. "Their social and political identity is based on three main categories of names: the dzoé mebádán allegorical designation, the ndán (-drummed/whistled name-) motto-name or maxim-name, and the nya dzoé (-mother-name-) proper name or protective name. "

The presentation will take place January 28 at 4:00 pm in McCain Hall room 201.