you say “tow-mah-tow”. . .

Gentle reader, please indulge me.

I just want you to get my first name right. My whole life, it’s been pronounced wrong, even after I correct people.

It should be “jay-mah.”

Yes, I know. That’s not what you thought.

I have been called Jaw-mah (as in pajamas), Jana, Jamaica, Hama, Yama, even Ja-ma, (“a” as in apple).

Grammatically, “Jama” isn’t supposed to be pronounced with a long “a.” But the name itself is totally made up. My parents thought they were being very clever, taking the first two letters of each of their names:
“Ja” from James, and “Ma” from Margaret. Their last name, “Kim,” was so common in Hawaii, that they felt it essential to give their kids unusual first names. Well, they succeeded.

Okay, all together now: JAY-MAH (thank you so much)! JAY-MAH (my ears are tingling)! JAY-MAH (i’ll be forever grateful)! JAY-MAH (my heart is soaring)!

Now that we got that out of the way, welcome to my blog. My soup will contain food for the BODY (one bookish recipe/month), MIND (book, writing talk and whatever), and SPIRIT (tasty poetry every Friday). Drop by anytime you’re feeling a little peckish. I hope it’s as good for you as it is for me :)!

6 thoughts on “you say “tow-mah-tow”. . .”

Jama,
Thanks – I’d been pronouncing it wrong in my head! I know a writer with a very unusual name who actually put the proper pronunciation of her name on her home page. Editors have appreciated knowing how to say the name correctly.

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