4. Guided discussion

* Some questions to consider:

  • What naming ceremonies or rituals did you undergo?
  • Do you have a ceremonial name? image
  • What are some of the popular names given to women, men, and children in your language or culture? What do these names mean?

5. Writing

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
imageIn some cultures ceremonial names are secret; before asking if anyone would like to share their ceremonial names, acknowledge with respect that many such names are secret and not for sharing outside the ceremonial circle.


* Some topics:

  • My name
  • If I could change my name. . .
  • My children's names

6. Reading

* As a pre-text activity, put the following cluster of words from "The Problem with Last Names" on the board:

The Problem with Last Names
Handout 101
traditional last name
birth name
automatically customs
married name
identity career
maiden name
husband Mr. Mary Jones

* Discuss meanings and clarify pronunciation. There could even be a discussion of the antonyms or synonyms of the words on the list.

* Ask learners, in groups or as a class, to create a text based on the list of words.

* Read the text (page 101) and discuss it further.


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