Confusion about the names :)
I have a simple name: Attila. Most of the Europeans would guess from the first that is a male person's name. Most of the Europeans would also associate it with "Attila the Hun". Therefore in Europe this is a very macho name :) And in Hungary as well, as it is a Hungarian name, it is a very macho name.
Not in Singapore obviously:) Most of the AIESEC people expected a lady when they heard that Attila is coming to Singapore.
Whenever I write a mail to an unknown person, in 99% of the cases they would reply back as Ms Attila. It is just funny :) But why? Don't worry, I am not gay/acting like gay!!! It is just that my name is ending in "la", which is a very feminine ending for Singaporeans (anyway they put lah at the end of most of the words). So they all think that I am a girl.
But you can argue, that Singaporean are stupid that they never heard about "Attila the Hun"? No! If I meet a person face to face and tell my name, the same percentage as in Europe would reply "Attila as Attila the Hun?". It is just that they are so used to their "lah" and its association with feminine things.
It is funny. But no hard feelings, because I am in the same situation. Most of the time when I hear a name or get an e-mail from somebody who I don't know, I always have to ask whether she/he is a male or female. Of course things get even more complicated in Thailand ...... :)
It is much fun as you can see living in a totally different culture :)
Not in Singapore obviously:) Most of the AIESEC people expected a lady when they heard that Attila is coming to Singapore.
Whenever I write a mail to an unknown person, in 99% of the cases they would reply back as Ms Attila. It is just funny :) But why? Don't worry, I am not gay/acting like gay!!! It is just that my name is ending in "la", which is a very feminine ending for Singaporeans (anyway they put lah at the end of most of the words). So they all think that I am a girl.
But you can argue, that Singaporean are stupid that they never heard about "Attila the Hun"? No! If I meet a person face to face and tell my name, the same percentage as in Europe would reply "Attila as Attila the Hun?". It is just that they are so used to their "lah" and its association with feminine things.
It is funny. But no hard feelings, because I am in the same situation. Most of the time when I hear a name or get an e-mail from somebody who I don't know, I always have to ask whether she/he is a male or female. Of course things get even more complicated in Thailand ...... :)
It is much fun as you can see living in a totally different culture :)
4 Comments:
i remember the ladies from the taxi companies asking for you name.... and then came 5 minutes of:
"what???" "attila"
"how did you say?" "a-tt-i-l-a"
"can you repeat that?" "attila!!!!!"
:):):)
By ioana, at 7:01 PM
Finally coming face to face with your gender identity, huh? It must be tough. I can only imagine. Lemme know if I can help?
By Amit, at 12:04 AM
You can lah :) Please help me lah :) I can't stand this anymore lah!!! :):):):)
By pixi, at 9:03 PM
Well Attila dear,
At least you can experience a bit of what I have been going thru. Everybody outside Nigeria always assumes that I'm a guy and always pronounce my name Ego(Igo or igor). Even you think I'm a guy! :) Remember the DUDE who always pestered you about the Global LCs community updating?
By ego, at 9:54 PM
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