Virtually all Dinka women's names start with the letter "a." There are very few exceptions. And there are many names that are very common. The Dinka don't try to be original with their children's names. They're all named for a relative or perhaps a close friend, so often there are several people with the same name in one family.
For example, one of our neighbours has eight or nine wives (yes, polygamy is very common here)--or it may be ten by now, as he just married another one! The first girl of each of his wives is named Alek, which I think is the name of this man's grandmother. Since the girls all have the same paternal name, they are often distinguished by using the name of their mother as their second name. So the girls are known as Alek Atap, Alek Ajuong, Alek Atong, etc.
These are the wonderful ladies of the Parot Church Health Group that I have been teaching, minus one lady who was absent. (In case you're wondering, the photo was taken just before Christmas and they're holding pitchers that I gave them for pouring water to wash hands, or any other use.) These women's names are: Front row: Akec, Agau, Aluel Back row: Awek, Acol, Anon Missing: Aluel
For example, one of our neighbours has eight or nine wives (yes, polygamy is very common here)--or it may be ten by now, as he just married another one! The first girl of each of his wives is named Alek, which I think is the name of this man's grandmother. Since the girls all have the same paternal name, they are often distinguished by using the name of their mother as their second name. So the girls are known as Alek Atap, Alek Ajuong, Alek Atong, etc.
These are the wonderful ladies of the Parot Church Health Group that I have been teaching, minus one lady who was absent. (In case you're wondering, the photo was taken just before Christmas and they're holding pitchers that I gave them for pouring water to wash hands, or any other use.) These women's names are: Front row: Akec, Agau, Aluel Back row: Awek, Acol, Anon Missing: Aluel
And for the record, my Dinka name is Agop. :-)
Hi Jan! Just returned from a wonderful presentation by Daniel and Natalie. It was so helpful to see all the little video clips and get an update on the work there. we were so encouraged and it was especially nice to visit with Natalie as I haven't seen her in 10 years and wanted to hear first hand how things are. I am so happy for Laurie that she is on her way to join you for a time. I am pondering how many of the same struggles ministry here and there share, just with differences in culture and physical surroundings. Praying for you all.
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