Last week on the Chris Evans Show, I heard the great debate about the pronunciation of the names Sara and Sarah and it took me back to when I was in Primary 7, just a few years ago. I decided that I would like to change my name and be called by my middle name, Alexandra. My friends thought that was too long but wouldn't call me Sandra since we already had a Sandra in our class. An older girl, great at sport, was known as Alexa so, excited that the talent might come along with the name, I became Alexa - for about 2 days. I quickly became Lexa, Legs, Leggy and finally Mairi.
I say Mairi but in reality I am Mhairi, Marie, Myra, Moira, Mary and on occasions, Mary Doll. Added to that, McAra becomes McRae, McCann, McCacra, McAdder and my husband's favourite, McCarrott....[:'(] When we had visitors from Botswana here at GTCS, I just nodded and smiled, strangely satisfied at the ease with which they pronounced my name - "Ma - eerie Mick - er - a"
When I was In secondary school, one teacher re-named everyone in his class, and for the entire session I was Penelope...Goodness knows how he managed to remember. Report writing and parents' nights must have been a nightmare for him. It can be difficult enough remembering 25 actual names for each class! Sometimes teachers do make mistakes with names; I suppose it is worse when you make a mistake at home, calling one child by the name of a brother or sister. Unfortunately, I can still remember the look of disdain on my daughter's face when I called her by our cat's name. Had the cat been called Prudence, Florence or Jess, it may have not have been as bad, but Sooty, it seemed, was unforgiveable.
So, what's in a name? It's one thing when someone calls you by something other than your name unintentionally, but deliberate name-calling is another matter entirely.
Teachers, like parents, have to be alert for this as this can be an indication of bullying. There are so many useful sites for teachers and parents to consult. Here are 3 links which show just how far name calling can go
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/03/10/anti-bullying-film-comes-to-scotland/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8557289.stm
http://www.antibullying.net/
A name I liked hearing was Lembit Opik but since he has just lost his seat, I wonder when we'll next hear about the politican, described as one of the most colourful characters in UK politics.
Meantime however, best wishes for an enjoyable post-election weekend from Rose.