International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VIII, Issue II, February 2021 | ISSN 2321–2705

The Role of Place-Names in Preserving Living Heritage in Matabeleland

Mthokozisi Moyo
Midlands State University Language Institute Gweru, Zimbabwe

Abstract: This paper focuses on the role of indigenous place-names in Matabeleland as a way of preserving living heritage. Names serve an important function of connecting us with our environment and the cosmos. They connect us with our spirit world, physical natural and the built environments, thus they and should be preserved as part of our oral history and cultural heritage. Earlier toponomastics research done in Bulawayo and the surrounding areas of Matabeleland has focused more on the linguistic modelling and the etymology of these names without attention to the role of names in the preservation aspect of living heritage. Using the New Convergence Theory the study advances the idea that indigenous place-names are key in preserving living heritage, particularly wildlife as a form of living heritage. By focusing on the intersections between toponyms and wildlife within selected Matabeleland communities in Zimbabwe, this article analyses and bring to the fore how the abundant wildlife informs the place-naming in both rural and urban contexts.

I. INTRODUCTION

The study of toponyms find relevance in the recognition by the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN), as part of the intangible cultural heritage and the realisation that, if neglected many toponyms will be destined to be permanently unexplained, concealing their original meanings, which will never be revealed and perhaps permanently lost[1]. Intangible heritage also includes oral traditions and expressions, including language, performing arts, social practices, knowledge and practices about nature and the universe, craftsmanship and even folklore[2]. Wildlife forms an important part of this living heritage. However, in much of Africa, heritage management has been mainly concerned with the preservation and presentation of heritage sites from a technical point of view culminating in bias and an emphasis on the preservation of the architecturally spectacular places, such as the pyramids, forts, castles and stone monuments. Although the conceptions of heritage are slowly changing, in most cases focushas remained largely on the tangible elements of the monumental and archaeological form[3].Heritage is often defined as our legacy from the past, what we live within the present, and what we pass on to future generations to learn from, marvel at and enjoy. Thus, wildlife is an important aspect of our living heritage that we need to preserve by all means possible, especially considering that some of the species face imminent extinction.