Naming and Resistance: Reclaiming African Identities in the Postcolonial Era

• In Event: Colonial and Post-Colonial Realities: Theoretical and Cultural Resistance

Abstract

European colonization of Africa included the imposition of European names, displacing indigenous names and reflecting cultural assimilation. The paper provides historical context to colonization's enduring influence on postcolonial societies, explores the concept of hybridity as theorized by scholars like Homi Bhabha. Emphasizing the dynamics of identity formation and resistance within colonial and postcolonial contexts, the study highlights the significance of naming practices in African societies and the profound cultural and spiritual importance of Indigenous names. It also discusses the historical and contemporary significance of reclaiming indigenous identities, citing examples of prominent African leaders and intellectuals who embraced their African names as a form of resistance and empowerment. Furthermore, the essay underscores the complex negotiation of identity within postcolonial frameworks, particularly among African international students in the United States. These students often navigate between the use of foreign names and the preservation of their cultural heritage. The study proposes a research inquiry into the experiences and perceptions of African students regarding the use of their native names compared to foreign names, aiming to explore strategies for reclaiming Indigenous names and fostering African cultural identities within the context of postcolonial Africa.

Authors

• Dolapo M Oyedokun, Ohio University

• Ruth Emmanuel