The Origin of 'HA' in Tonga Names | The Tonga People Of Zambia
Have You Ever Wondered Why Many Tonga Names Start with 'Ha'?
Many people have questioned why the Tonga tribe in Zambia is unique in having many names that begin with the letter 'H'. If you have ever pondered this, you are about to discover an intriguing story behind this linguistic phenomenon.
Examples of Tonga Names with 'H'
- Habeenzu
- Hakalyamba
- Hamoonga
- Hamapande
- Hakainde
- Hamweemba
- Hangoma
- Halyapanga
- Habazoka
- Hamududu
There is always a reason behind every cultural or linguistic development. To understand the origin of the 'Ha' in Tonga names, let us take a journey back in time.
A Historical Perspective
In 1623, Southern Province was largely undeveloped, resembling what is now a vast national park. There were no schools, no churches, and no markets—only trees and small villages. The people relied on traveling merchants who moved from place to place selling goods.
On June 19, 1623, a white man named Frank Douglass arrived from America and began teaching young children how to read. Passionate about education, Douglass met with village elders from various communities, starting with Sikalongo, Mwiinde, Sakalyati, Nangoma Mubotu, and extending to Delemuka village, which was under Headman Moonga. This headman was widely feared and had an imposing reputation.
At that time, there were no names beginning with 'Ha'. However, when Douglass was granted land in Shimabala village and given 400 cattle in appreciation for his educational efforts, he selected five men to travel to America for further studies. The selected individuals were:
- Mweemba
- Beenzu
- Lwiindi
- Moonga
- Basimbi
- Malambo
Upon arriving in America, they were overwhelmed by the modern developments they saw—tall buildings, wagons drawn by horses, and a vastly different way of life. Their greatest struggle was speaking English.
Douglass's wife, Michelle Douglass, welcomed them warmly and provided each with a separate room. Whenever they were astonished by something, they would exclaim, "Ha!" expressing their amazement. For example, "Ha! Moonga, look at that building!" or "Ha! Chipati!"
Each morning, Mrs. Douglass would greet them individually: "Hi, Moonga!" "Hi, Mweemba!" "Hi, Beenzu!" The repeated exposure to these greetings and exclamations left a lasting impact on them.
The Evolution of 'Ha' in Tonga Names
Upon their return to Zambia, the travelers shared their experiences with their communities. As they narrated their stories, they frequently used "Ha!" to emphasize their astonishment. Over time, people around them started associating this expression with their names. Instead of calling them Moonga, Lwiindi, or Beenzu, they became known as Ha-Moonga, Ha-Lwiindi, and Ha-Beenzu.
As time passed, the 'Ha' became an inseparable part of their names, and even when writing, the space between 'Ha' and the original name was removed. What had started as a mere expression of surprise turned into a naming tradition.
Additionally, the greeting "Hi" from Mrs. Douglass influenced other Tonga names. Instead of writing "Hi Moonga" as a greeting, it became Himoonga. This practice extended to borrowed names from other tribes. For instance, the name Ngoma from Chipata became Hangoma, and Ng'andu was transformed into Hang'andu. Similarly, the Lozi name Monde was altered to Himonde.
Conclusion
The use of 'Ha' in many Tonga names has an unexpected and fascinating origin. What began as an exclamation of amazement and a simple greeting eventually evolved into a distinct cultural naming convention. Over time, this linguistic adaptation became deeply rooted in Tonga tradition, shaping the names we see today.
Language and culture are constantly evolving, influenced by history, interaction, and adaptation. The story of 'Ha' in Tonga names is a perfect example of how a simple habit can transform into a lasting identity.
