Destigmatizing the name or moving up in the caste ladder : family name changes among the Sinhalese
Loading...
Date
1997-11-22
Authors
De Silva, M. W. Amarasiri
Wanninayake, K. B. S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniya
Abstract
Notificauons of name changes published in Sinhala newspapers during 1993 to 1995. and in 1970 were analysed to see patterns of family name changes and changes of caste status associated with assumption of new family names. Altogether 12547 notifications of family name changes were reported during this period. The analysis showed that 74 %, of the notifications were about changing family names. 36% of the notifications of family name changes were about changing family names of the whole family to assume high caste status while individuals assuming high caste/class family names notified 64% of family name changes of the total family name changes, both by the individuals and the families. 76% have assumed high caste names. 16% changed to acaste names, and the rest were changes of family names within their own castes . The paper argues that the assumption of high caste names by the Iow castes does not necessarily lead to changing of caste status to high caste. Such an argument can be valid one only in the case of name changes notified by the whole family assuming high caste status. which is about 26% of the total notifications . Many family name changes, (74%,) were notified by individuals who liked to be called by a name that is non-derogatory, pleasant and prestigious. Which enables better face-to-face relationships, facilitates communication and dealings in the wider society. This individual personal names are loosing their traditional strength as an identifier of caste, family and village of residence among the low caste youth who aspire to change their socio-economic status Overall the name of a person has assumed a new role as a marker of class and prestige than an identifier of caste -- a phenomenon present among the Sinhalese than in any other ethnic group in Sri Lanka.
Description
Keywords
Sociology , Sinhala names , Caste
Citation
Proceedings and Abstract of the Annual Research Sessions, November 22, 1997, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka pp. 23-38