(no subject)

[iqsi.livejournal.com]

What do you think about untranslated Native American names?

The other kids at the summer reading thing I help with have been a little annoying about it, but Savakti has shot everybody else down with 'it was grandpa's name and his mother's and her great uncle's' as an explanation. She's pretty proud of it, actually, which is cute as can be on a five year old.

In her parent's language, Inupiaq, Savakti it means 'maker/creator of things'. Her brother is a year older than her and is named Mixik, which means 'very soft' or 'gentle'. Their father, who picks them up everyday and tolerates the cheesiness of their books choices, is named Sukun, meaning 'finds a way'. They seem like a really sweet group, even if the other kids saddled Savakti and Mixik with the unfortunate nicknames of Sava and Mix.

Comments

[lipsty.livejournal.com]

I think that they are lovely names and it's great that they have a strong tradition behind them. In a country as diverse as America, I'm surprised that anyone has made an issue of it.

[iqsi.livejournal.com]

I've seen less than enlightened white parents who snicker at these kind of names. Never underestimate the ignorance of the human race.

[lipsty.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it's sad.

[iqsi.livejournal.com]

The good news is that after a few days of heckling, I think the bulk of the kids are kinda over it. And both of the kids in question like their nicknames. :)

[compulsivelyme.livejournal.com]

Other kids should be discouraged from making fun of someone's name.

I appreciate foreign (non-English, non-American) names on children if they are appropriate for their cultural or family background. Otherwise I frankly find it odd.

[un-attra.livejournal.com]

My mom had a friend who who was white and married a Native American and they gave their children all untranslated names. I actually really like it because that way they can hold onto both cultures and the kids really embrace their names. They just adore both because they know it's not something you see every day and the names have some special meanings in them.
In short - I love it.

[silvermidnight.livejournal.com]

I think traditional cultural names are great (better than popular names, even) as long as the kids are actually connected to the culture.

[solitudete.livejournal.com]

Those are really interesting names. It can't be fun growing up with "different" names and dealing with teasing, but in a few years they'll stand out among all the Braedens, Jaydens and Caidens with their culturally rich and unique names.

[kill-inhibition.livejournal.com]

I'm considering giving my daughter a Native American name (I'm Ojibwe).
Quanah, Aiyana, and Sednah are all in the running right now.