Comments | blur_kiwi: What's in a name?

blur_kiwi

What's in a name? - a column

Sep 27, 2013 11:50

What's in a name? Well quite a lot actually. Unable to sleep a couple of nights ago, I was listening to the radio. I like night-time radio, it's broadcast in a way that suggests the people doing the broadcasting don't think anyone's listening. It's sort of sloppy, yet engaging, amateur and professional all at the same time. Yet, the very fact that ( Read more... )

columns

Comments 6

laviergedeneige September 27 2013, 21:31:59 UTC

I love linguistcally technical things!
Good questions by the way. There are plenty of such names around me here in Sweden and I remember a couple of pretty confusing ones in Russia. I'll think of how to translate them to English. :)

blur_kiwi September 30 2013, 13:30:16 UTC

Thanks. The thing is, I didn't end up really explaining the linguistically technical thing: In Welsh a single 'f' has a 'v' sound, while a double 'f' has the 'F' sound. So, they're not changing the placename in any way, just spelling it the Welsh way. That's why I think it's so absurd to object, it's right and as it should be. :))

gaia_child September 28 2013, 10:56:49 UTC

lol. I don't recall any Polish funny-sounding names but your column has triggered some funny memories:)

Here is the anecdote: It's year 2010. Time of the year: Summer. Place: your house. Room: your kitchen. People involved: your parents, Marcin and I. Situation: you mum is suggesting where to go sightseeing. We decided to go by West Somerset Railway. We are all looking at the map, and your mum is explaining the best possible route. Marcin is listening carefully but he can't figure out what your mum is saying: "See what is in my head and then watch it" What the heck? LOL Crazy woman she must be;)

blur_kiwi September 30 2013, 13:27:09 UTC

That is brilliant! Love it, love it, love it! I laughed so much when I read it. I can imagine the scene very well and I can almost see Marcin trying to work out what's going on and what's being said. :))

gaia_child October 4 2013, 11:41:58 UTC

I was to tell you this story a long time ago...but there was no occassion. Did you share it with Florence? :))))

blur_kiwi October 4 2013, 14:01:24 UTC

Yes, I did...and she then shared it with a group of friends we had here for lunch on Sunday. Everyone thought it was very funny. :))