names

[drydem]

one of the interesting things about american culture is that names are so unknowable. I mean, I know what Benjamin means, but most people don't. In ancient times and to some degree in more homogenous cultures, names are more commonly direct from language. In ancient Judea, the name Michael meant who is like god, and if you wanted to say "who is like god" you would say michael. Pierre means pretty basically stone. But in america we all use foreign or invented names, not being able to communicate the information that the name has because of our heterogeneous culture. It's an odd thing.

Comments

[bneuensc.livejournal.com]

<stops giggling, picks self up off floor>

Many thanks. That was a good antidote to current semi-bitterness caused by a Japanese assignment and a quiz today and two assignments tomorrow and a chapter test the next day, and the white stuff in the air I refused to acknowledge today, and the fact that spring break can't get here soon enough.

But really. Does awareness of the linguistic meaning of a name in any way lessen or eliminate the built-up social meaning? It's just another layer. Increased heterotopia. ^_^


<pause>



I think I'm going to have to start inventing meanings for "Alyc" now. A la Darlene's story. Only with more wackiness.

Or maybe that's just the "I DON'T WANT TO DO MY JAPANESE!!!!!" talking.