Wednesday, June 26, 2013

But there's always a Kevin...


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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