Emma, NOT Ama!

Here in Ghana most people have multiple names. They have an English name, and then either a Ghanian or a day name. Your day name depends on what day you were born. So for me since I was born on a Tuesday my name is Araba. This same name would be given to anyone who was born on a Tuesday (though some days have multiple name choices, and the names for men and women are different). 

The problem I have run into however is that the day name for Saturday is Ama, making this an extremely common name. So when I introduce myself as “Emma” I have not yet encountered a Ghanian who did not think I was saying “Ama.” One man even got angry because I was “refusing to tell him my REAL name” (he wanted to know my “American” name) even when I tried explaining that my real name is Emma! (sounds to them like Ama)

So every time I introduce myself to someone this awkward and lengthy explanation of my name is sure to follow. I have to say “It’s not Ama, its Emma! I was NOT born on Saturday, my name just sounds similar to the Ghanaian name but it is actually with an E.” 

Now you may be thinking “how often do you really have to introduce yourself?” but the answer is multiple times a day. As an “obruni” (literally “white person”) I stick out here like a sore thumb and everyone wants to know who you are and what you are doing. Cab drivers, people you walk past on the street, people visiting the resort where I go to use internet will all be constantly asking about who you are.

I think from now on I need to just start introducing myself by my middle name or something instead…