Wednesday, August 31, 2011

An American Girl or Maasai Warrior?



It seems like wherever I go there seems to be something funny about my name.  I recall having a similar post in my Plastino Blog when from when I was in Indonesia.  Usually the case is that no one can pronounce my name since English is about the only language that doesn’t have the letter I make the sound ee, rendering me “Leeza”. 

However when I tell Tanzanians my name, it often evokes a chuckle or outright laughter, as apparently my name is a somewhat common name in the Massai tribe.  For a man. 

At least they pronounce it correctly. 

So I’m proud to say that upon hearing my name people, depending upon where in the world they are from, picture an eccentric and out-dated woman singing showtunes, a tall dark man wrapped in his red fabric herding cattle, or just assume I’m named Lisa.  

1 comment:

  1. Liza, I don't think I told you that when I visited the masai tribe last year, they went nuts when told my name was Mona, and literally ran me over to meet "Mona" a tall thin masai warrior, they insisted we pose for pictures! Ill have to dig the photo up to show you! Love, mom

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