My North German Namesake

Hauke Mormann
HaMo - Kiel

Probably no one needs to tell you that different people in different parts of the world can come up with the same idea and still be original. This is because we humans are so much alike -- no matter our culture of origin. Moreover, the obstacles that many of us face in life vis-à-vis our own societies are often quite similar. This is especially true in today's world, where so much for so many is only a click away.

One day, while surfing the internet for others with the name of Hamo, I stumbled on Hauke Mormann's website. What follows is my discovery in English translation.

Soon after I was born my parents made an effort to come up with a name for me that clearly identified me as a North German. As they were both very fond of a short story by Theodor Storm, a well-known 19th century North German author, they decided to name me after the legendary Dykemaster Hauke Heien of the Schimmelreiter. Although a very nice gesture on their part, neither have I become a master of dikes nor a horseback enthusiast. Moreover, I am hardly a ghost! What is worse, just about everyone south of Lower Saxony appears confused about my gender. Well, if the titles one uses in addressing correspondence are a good indicator of this confusion, then a full 50% of all South Germans are off the mark.

Translated by Hamo in Hong Kong
21 March 2004

Hauke, just because South Germans have trouble with your name, there is no reason why the rest of the world must  struggle with it as well.