But then there’s always a Kevin...
Some of our English names just don’t translate or get lost
in the cadence or accent; Graham becomes Gramm, Ian (Een), Machin (machsa)
means’thingamy’ and the female name Jean is just plain confusing (French for
John). Other names are interchangeable but their sound is so evocative as to
feel very different (see below with apologies for the phonetic rendition &
any spelling changes).
UK
|
FRANCE
|
PHONETIC
|
Alan
|
Allan
|
A/la
|
Cyril
|
Cyrill
|
C / rill
|
Andrew
|
Andre
|
Ond/ rA
|
Jack
|
Jacque
|
Jj/ac
|
Lucy
|
Lucien
|
Lu/sia
|
Matthew
|
Mathieu
|
Ma/chew
|
Denis
|
Denis
|
Den/E
|
Then there is the English liking for shortening or altering
given names. In France it would always be Elizabeth, Susan or Christine, but
just look at what we do with the name Elizabeth.
Bet
|
Beth
|
Bess
|
Bessy
|
Liz
|
Lizzy/Lizzie
|
Liza/Lisa
|
Eliza
|
Bettie/Betty
|
Beth
|
Betsy
|
Be
|
But some names are international like Jesus, Mohammed,
Abraham and Kevin. Now I know that last name took you by surprise and no
religious humour or insult is in any way intended. But ask any teacher they
will always know a Kevin. I have asked
in Brazil, America, Holland, Malawi, India, Sheri Lanka, France and England,
teachers just nod their assent. It’s not the actual name, there are others like
Wayne or Jason, it’s just that they symbolise that child who will be different,
have or be a problem (immortalised in Harry Enfield’s’ Kevin & Parry'). Now
for anyone about to name a child don’t be put off by this assertion, they can
be lovely kids, real characters, clever or funny, but there is always a
something. And in case I seem to be maligning the boys, the same can apply to Chantelle,
Kylie and another Enfield character Waynette. I’m sure there is Chinese, Ukrainian,
Icelandic or Japanese version of this phenomena, it’s a teaching universal ‘taken’.
So what do we do with these children, well the same as with
all children? As educators we try to reach them, engage them and develop
them...do the best we can. And as for me I made a career out of Kevin's and
loved every minute; they made me laugh and cry, feel elated & despondent....but
always made me aware, made me be a better teacher. So I raise my imaginary
glass to all those children, many now adults. Here’s to Kevin’s everywhere, the
world would be a duller place without you...
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