The Namesake-Week 1 Post A

More culture is shown threw the novel when the narrator talks about the importance of a nickname. Nicknames in Indian culture are the name you are always called by. It is really a pet name sort of, but the nicknames are chosen with love. When a baby is born the parents may try out more than enough nicknames, until finally one will stick. As for real names, they are never used in public. They are only used in times of intimacy and addressing one on an envelope. The nickname however is a reminder that life doesn't have to be so serious all the time, and a reminder of love. Ashima's parents never address by her full name, but by her nickname "Monu." Here in America we do have nicknames and pet names, but I would say that about 80% of the time we are addressed by our full name, only being addressed by your nickname by your friends and sometimes parents. I think it is really interesting and cool that probably all indians have a nickname, and I love that they say it is a reminder that life doesn't have to be so serious all the time, becuase I know when people call me by my nickname I instantly lighten up a little bit.