I was reading a book and one of the characters' name was Aurora (Rory) and it struck me how unusual that sounded in that context.I was just wondering if there is something in our brain that matches the names with certain features that people might or might not posses. And then I just initiated a little game:
Helen- Greek long dress, black long hair, very strong, active but innocent at the same time
Tina- some common, pragmatic,out-going person, no special features (that's why I had used this name so many times in my role-plays)
Tom- handsome, sociable, no-stress guy, intelligent, but no genius
Jack- square jaw, bony face, thin and tall, powerful, sometimes dangerous
Fiona- I loved this name the second I heard it- It sounds to me like something delicate, big brown/blue eyes, silky dress, long, floating when walking, usually hiding a secret
Hillary- big, powerful, grandma big-foot "style", sociable and extremely talkative, doing everything for the loved ones, always smiling
I know there are so many psychological, sociological or even semantic analysis on the features or functions of names, not to speak about the religious implications of baptizing a child with a saint's name.
I don't posses enough knowledge on this matter, but I still think that choosing the right names for the characters our students need to "become" during the lessons can have a very good impact on their response to the task.
I actually noticed that when they were about to choose one situation they were selecting certain names and they were "rejecting" others because in their mind those names could have impinged upon their image among their colleagues.
Then a good idea would be to try the exercise during the class: have them see some pictures (maybe imagine the police department where witnesses are asked to flip through a pile of photos or albums and find the "guilty one" ) then your students should "profile" those people by using a set of adjectives, then try and "guess" these people's daily routine, maybe flaws and qualities or "darkest secret", re-create their life.
As a follow-up you can practice expressing opinion by having them analyze the Shakespearian famous quote
" What's in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet;"
referring to the meaning and the value of a name.Is the name a reflexion of one self or the essence is all the same even if changing the label/word/name given to that specific thing or person.
I fancy a lot this subject and I think the NAME is a very important coordinate of our lives, even though we don't stop and reflect on it, but we respond to this stimulus when meeting a person. I am sure the name of that person has an impact on our first impression and it influences our judgments when thinking or speaking about that man/woman. If that is true, then my question would be: Should we know more about this when choosing our own child's name? If the name influences others' opinions, do they also have an impact when attending an interview or closing a deal?
Everyone admits that good looks can help people get a good job, but does the name have such an effect?
Just imagine you are going to a blind date, but you find out three names of the future candidates: John, Mark and Dick... Which one would you leave out?Which one would be your choice?
Would you meet Trixton, Kaydinn or Kawner?
