The Naming of Eswatini: History, Pronunciation, and Identity

The small African kingdom of Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, underwent a significant change in its national name in 2018. This change was not merely a linguistic update, but a deep reflection of the country's identity and national pride. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the name change, the meaning of the new name, and the linguistic and cultural context that underpins these changes.

The Name Change: From Swaziland to Eswatini

On April 18, 2018, the sovereign nation of Swaziland officially changed its name to Eswatini. This change was made to align the country's international name with its native language, reflecting a new era of cultural identity and linguistic sovereignty.

The renaming of the country from Swaziland to Eswatini was not without its complexities. The old name 'Swaziland' was a colonial legacy, a reflection of the European settlers' interpretation of the native Nguni term 'eSwatini.' This name change reflects the kingdom's journey towards reclaiming its cultural heritage and national identity.

The Meaning of Eswatini

The name 'Eswatini' is derived from the term for 'the land of the Swazi.' In the Nguni languages, this name conjures a sense of place and identity. The Nguni languages, particularly isiZulu, isiXhosa, and isiSwati, are part of a family of closely related languages spoken in southern Africa.

Interestingly, the name Eswatini reflects a linguistic feature common in Nguni languages where a locative prefix 'e' is added to a stem to indicate 'the place of.' In this case, 'swati' is a reference to the royal family and the largest tribe in the country. The addition of 'ini' emphasizes this locative meaning, forming 'eSwatini.'

Context of the Name Change

While the name change was primarily a matter of linguistic and cultural pride, it also had political and social implications. In September 2018, workers in Eswatini began protesting against low salaries. This protest movement highlighted the struggles faced by the country's citizens, a context that was influencing the government's decision to rename the country.

By renaming the country, the government aimed to reclaim the native name 'eSwatini,' which many locals had been using for generations but had been overlooked in the colonial era. This move was symbolic of a broader movement to assert cultural identity and break free from the legacy of colonialism.

Understanding the Nguni Languages

The languages of the Nguni people are characterized by a rich system of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. This linguistic structure is evident in the name Eswatini, where the prefix 'e' and the suffix 'ini' work together to create a meaningful locative term.

Understanding the Nguni languages requires a deeper look into their linguistic features:

Prefixes: These often indicate grammatical or semantic relationships and are used to form words. For example, the prefix 'e' often indicates 'the place of.' Suffixes: These add additional meaning to words, often related to number or location. Stems: The core elements of words, which can be modified by prefixes and suffixes to convey different meanings.

The use of these linguistic features in the term 'eSwatini' underscores the rich cultural and historical context of the Nguni languages.

Conclusion

The renaming of Swaziland to Eswatini is a significant step in the country's journey towards cultural and linguistic pride. It reflects a broader movement to reclaim native names and celebrate the rich heritage of the Nguni people. This change in name is more than just a linguistic shift; it is a profound expression of national identity and a reaffirmation of the Swazi people's connection to their roots.

As we explore the names and languages of Africa, it is essential to understand the deep cultural and historical contexts that underpin them. Eswatini, like many African nations, offers a unique insight into the diversity and complexity of the continent's linguistic and cultural landscape.