My name is Dalma, not that difficult, I thought. It isn’t an international name, I know, but it is not difficult to say or remember. Yeah once again, I thought. The first sign was when I introduced myself to other people they asked again what my name was, they just didn’t understand – I thought. Luckily, I had my ID with me so I always showed it and then they got it.
I went to the opening event of one of the societies and there was a girl who interviewed new students. She asked me if I could say a couple of words, of course why not. The interview started and I was asked to introduce myself, name, nationality, course etc. I said “I am Dalma from Hungary and studying Marketing Management.” After the event I forgot the whole thing but maybe a month ago it just came into my mind so I searched for the post. After a while I found it and as I was looking for my part, I noticed a sentence: “Donna from Hungary…”. I was shocked, is it me? Yes it was…
Starbucks: are they doing it on purpose?
This name appea
red on my first Starbucks order in London. The barista asked my name and I said it confidently, she asked it again and I said it again. She wrote it down but when I was waiting I noticed a cup waiting to be picked up with the name “Donna” and my order. It was mine, I was just standing there and wondering what’s wrong with my name.
After this experience, I tried to spell it, most of the time it worked, but once even though I spelt it the barista left out the “M” from my name. I just laughed because it was so hilarious and I couldn’t believe that I spelt it and he wrote it down wrong.
And after all of this I just literally gave up, no spelling, no getting upset. Just saying my name and got my coffee as they understand. That how I was “Delma” after the girl repeated my name sounded “Dalma”.
Coping strategy
As a solution, I came up with a name which I really like – it’s international and hard to get wrong. I started to say “Zoe” as my name and what a miracle they write it down correctly! However, I ordered twice with this name and they spelt it differently but it didn’t matter, it is correct both ways.
In conclusion, I realised that my name is alright but not for this country. However, I get used to people not understanding my name or misspelling. Now I am just collecting the versions and without them this post couldn’t be written so thank you! 🙂
Latest posts by Dalma Aczel (see all)
- Vlog: A Day in The Life of a Westminster Student - April 9, 2020
- Going home after 3 months - February 7, 2020
- London, the city where nobody can spell my name - December 3, 2019
Wow.it really hard to understand some countries name.well,can you post something on food in westminster please?
Dear Simon,
I usually bring my own food but there is a canteen at Marylebone campus, you can get different types of food like sandwiches and also hot meals. It worth try it because the prices are student friendly and you can find an option which fits your taste.
Hope I could help 🙂
Dalma