Formal and informal toponymic inscriptions in Maputo: Towards socio-linguistics and anthropology of street naming

Abstract

Supported by urban socio-linguistics and by an anthropological approach to toponymic inscriptions, we here analyse the discursive functioning of formal and informal place naming in Maputo. Conceived as both linguistic and social practice, toponymic (in-)formality is examined in its actual context of production and use. The official place-naming system, both colonial and revolutionary-postcolonial, emerges as a lesson in history and geography. Here the street names relate to historical events, commemorate national and foreign heroes, and pay homage to other cities and countries of the world that are closely linked to the history of Mozambique. In the unofficial case, street names serve as a sort of atlas in which, aside from names of other cities and regional localities, names of districts and rivers of Mozambique are also recalled. It should be noted that toponymic informality does not seek to replace, and much less compete, with the official naming system. On the contrary, its simultaneous existence seeks to consolidate and highlight contemporary history, together with the everyday reality and spatiality of the city dwellers. The latter includes an autochthonous linguistic heritage, collective memory, and the cultures and traditions of Mozambique. This short chapter also exemplifies that informal place naming reflects Maputo’s urban multilingualism (Portuguese, English and indigenous languages). These toponymic characteristics neutralise the geographical and administrative boundaries of the urban sphere and deconstruct the centre-periphery dichotomy. This is, inter alia, through the original social functioning of transport and popular shops that exhibit place names all over the urban area, regardless of their actual socio-spatial location.