What’s in a name?


 

When I started this charity five years ago I didn’t give too much thought to the name. I chose “Alma” because in Spanish it means “soul” and has a deep spiritual meaning. I had encountered it often in Spanish literature and poetry and liked the sound of the word. However, it doesn’t translate well into English which has been regrettable. I even put an explanation of the name on our website.

Turns out it doesn’t translate well into Quechua either!

Ian told me that he is often asked in our communities why we have such a “terrible” name. Turns out “alma” in Quechua means “ghost” – and not the “friendly” kind either. It is sinister and scary.

Recently, in Bolivia, when the question came up again, an indigenous person said very charitably “well maybe it is a good thing. Maybe it is the ‘spirits’ of our ancestors coming back to care for us”.

Nice thought, but sure wish I had spent more time thinking about the name five years ago!

Alan Harman