More Fun with Names

Their names were tough enough. But half my wife's older family members couldn't speak English well enough to understand my questions, much less answer them - 'cause they've only been here 40 freakin years mind you.

Take my wife Daya's cousin, Rena. I was introduced to her as "Dolly" by my wife. I'm totally physched, 'cause I can pronounce and remember this one.

Next time I meet her, I point to her and whisper, "Dolly?" to her father to confirm hert name.

In broken English he says, "Rena" shakes his head side to side and continues "They are sisters."

"WOW!", I'm thinking, "Exact twins!"

It was many months later that I discovered Dolly was Rena's nick name and her father was telling me she and DAYA were sisters, as cousins are considered sisters on their culture.

Explains why Dolly and Rena were never together.

What's in a Name"

In Gujarati culture, your mother's brother is your "Masa". His wife, your "Masi". Mom's sister is your "Gacci" and her husband your "Gacca". Now on your father's side his sister is your Foi" and brother a "Fua". At least I think that's how it goes.

I asked my wife and her American raiseed cousins. They haven't a clue. The titles were just part of their names. Their freakin impossible names.

Take this one Uncle. I was introduced to him as "Gacca" before I knew there was this incredibly complicated Uncle-Aunt thing. "OK Gacca, I can remember that name" I think to myself. Next time I see him, before attempting Gacca, I ask my wife his name.

"Sent", she tells me.

"I thought it was "Gacca", I said, slightly frustrated.

"Oh yeah. You can can call him Senti-gacca."

Now I'm getting it, I think to myself. It's one of those Bob versus Robert things.

Before I get a chance to address him, Daya's father calls to him, "Sentidras!"

"OK what's his name Daya?" frustrated, I asked her as point to the same Uncle.

Daya looks a bit confused herself and calls to him, "Bapu!"

I had about 40 of these names to get down. 15 years later, I'm about half way through the list.