NAMING CONVENTIONS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE IN EJAGHAM – By Nta Ekem Festus Egbe
One of the distinct linguistic techniques employed in naming within the Ejagham cultural context is known as Ejôn, a form of intentional spoonerism. Ejôn involves the deliberate distortion of word pronunciation, often to obscure meaning from outsiders or to add an element of mystery. Interestingly, the altered form may carry legitimate pronunciation or meaning in another Ejagham dialect cluster.
In the community of Babong, Ejôn has been creatively applied in naming natural features, particularly streams and other landmarks. The following are examples of streams named using the Ejôn method:
- Iyêp Isebhé (from Ayep Esébhé, meaning sandy water): This stream marks the boundary between Babong and Esukitan.
- Ijan-Onoh (from Ejan-Enoh, meaning good medicine): A spring that serves as a vital water source for the people of Babong.
- Banwhem (from Bâ Whémé, meaning they have smiled): Another example of a name derived through Ejôn.
Beyond geographical features, Ejôn is also reflected in personal and communal titles or expressions, such as:
- Bikundi / Bakundi: Derived from Ba kwen di (“Come, take and eat”), often used as a welcoming phrase or in reference to communal feasting.
- Iyamba: From Ayamba, meaning pathfinder, a title given to the head of all sesekous (boh sesekou) in a village.
- Sesekou: A phonetic evolution of Nseh Nseh kâ Okui, translating roughly to grandfather by age. It designates elders involved in community leadership and decision-making, particularly those who act as close aides to Ntufam.
In the villages of Ngunaya and Kenyang, Sesekou is also a title reserved for individuals who own an Mgbe house or who have attained the highest rank within the Mgbe society.
