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The meaning of names

Names allow people to call each other more conveniently. Names also allow people to remember each other easily. We remember our friends, colleagues, business partners, neighbours by names. Every name has something to tell of the person. Names can have tremendous effect on a person's life as well. It can boost a person's self-esteem and it can also demoralize a person.

Names are mostly derivatives of words from the dictionary of words and languages that we know. Different countries have different languages. Regardless of what languages you use, most people would want their name to represent their unique self. But names are often given to us when we are a baby. We have no choice to choose our names. Our parents decide what sort of 'qualities' they want to see in their children and they give these names to their children. The same thing applies for pets.

For example, I want my pet to be the best dog that I ever have. It is a name that everyday I am going to call him. It is a name that I need to share with when I am talking to friends. It is a name that I need to use when I need to communicate with anybody. When calling out for his name, the name will reinforce, reaffirm and remind you of what traits and qualities of dog you have. Thus, beside using the word 'best', I added 'ce' in front of the word 'best'. This of course has meaning behind it. 'C' is the same pronounciation as 'see'. The short form for the is 'e'. Hence, whenever I call my dog, "Cebest", it is equivalent to calling him 'see the best dog'. It is a kind of mind-mapping. Whenever I mention this name, it is instinctive that he is my best dog. I had shared this with my children. Telling them why this name is given to the dog. Explaining the meaning will help the children to appreciate the importance of the name. Similarly, my children's name is given in this manner and their meaning was explained to them.

Why do people have pen name or nick name? Because names hold such important significant to a person and it represents their characteristices and traits, some people have nicknames given by friends, families or even themselves. As mentioned earlier, names were given by parents, and we have no choice, until we are old enough to be able to change our own names to be what we want. Some people have funny and awkward names and they are embarrassed whenever people call them. These people would want to have nicknames. Still others decide to change their name legally, going through all the paperwork. In writing, people do not want to reveal their true identity, they use pen name, another way to signify themselves. My pen name is Peace Bella. Again I love peace and I choose peace. Bella is because I am a lady.

Different countries have different 'official' names. For example, the chinese have three characters, with a surname in front. The western countries, have two English names, with their Family name behind. The Malays and Indians have different names as the Chinese too. Regardless of how the name is, all the name hold the same function, to give the person an identity, a way of calling. Behind every name that you call, there are meaning behind it.

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