NAMA DAN GELARAN : SIGNIFICANCE OF NAMES AMONG THE MALAYS

Abstract

"Naming gives one existence , makes him part of the world of men....." - Lucile Hoerr Charles. For hundreds of years, Malays like other societies, have indulged in the act of name selection and name giving. There is, however, a lack of awareness in the significance of names. It is not merely a simple means of identifying and address. One must realise that names, titles and kin terms could generate information on the nature of the society. But even more so, it could produce invaluable data on each person making up that society. Names reflects one's social place within his community and how his existence is interdependent on others. An intricate social network is thus indisputable. However with recent changes in political, economic and ideological perceptions of Malays, this intricate social network is diminishing. A transitional phase is progressing and it is captured in the changing usage of names. The capability of names· to capture an important phase within the Malay society makes us realise that names and titles should not be taken lightly. Instead it should be studied and scrutinised as part of the Malay cultural heritage and history lies within it.