On Sunday, when I attended church with my host mother for the first time (my other host family members all go to different churches, so over the course of the last two months I have had quite the sampling of local churches), I was invited to the front to introduce myself to the congregation (and, to my surprise, to sing a song--thankfully we had learned one in Twi class the previous week!).
"Yεfrε me Akua," "My name is Akua," was not sufficient, though, because my host family has given me another name, too, a last name: "Yεfrε me Akua Afriyie." "Akua" is my name because I am a female born on a Wednesday, and "Afriyie" is the second name given to a baby who has come at a "good time," such as when her receptive family has plenty of food and maybe even financial resources to send her to university someday. I don't know if this link will work, but if it does, there is some interesting (if a bit academic) information on Akan names here.
I agree with my family: I am Akua Afriyie, for I have come to Ghana at a good time.
That is a very special name you have there. I am thankful that you feel loved and cared for there, and welcome. I can see how Adiesu from UWL was right that sometimes people do not want to leave Ghana once they get there! There is a much attractive about the commitment to family and community. Also, the rhythms of the day are appealing. Love you lots! the mom
ReplyDeleteI fixed the link for anyone interested; the article is long, but really fascinating!
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