I now understand why some people will not hide their feeling when their names were not pronouce well or spell well. Though not everyone cares about this some really do. I remember writing a friend name- Mensa and he was furious because i ignore H at the end i.e Mensah. At the time, i never knew he was protecting his IDENTITY. When you come to Africa, the sound of the name will give you fair idea about where the person is coming from. A name like Afolabi will tell you the person is a Nigerian. A name like Kofi, Edem, Kwame will tell you they are Ghanaian. Not only will you know their origin but the meaning attached to those names. A name such as Chukuwu- meaning Almighty God, my Edem- meaning Saviour. Just wondering if this get something to do with my passion to serve others. A name such as Aseye- Praise. In Ghanain community, we have a number of tribes. Notably among them are Ga, Ewe, Akan, the Gonja, Dagombas, Frafra, Wala etc. In Ga community, by mentioning of Surname, you get to know the clan the person is coming from. I can still remember how proud my friend will mention his name- Okai and he will say ' We the Gamashie' we do this or that..... Dansoa will proudly say ' We the Akan' ..... Kekeli will say ' Am a proud Great Voltarian' Kpaga will say ' Yes am a Gonja' ...... So next time you faill to spell or pronouce somebody's name right, do not be offended when you are asked to do the right thing.
I hope you enjoy this peice.
Thanks.
Edem