Tasi means "sea"; Tasi means "noble"

[asakiyume]

I know the people at the post office; I'm there a lot. Back when Little Springtime first was in Japan (she's back there again--let's have no earthquake-tsunami-nuclear disasters this time, please, Seafather and Lady) I found out that one of the women who works there has a daughter who lives in Japan. That woman--Tasi--is Samoan.

The other day when I was there, I had Timor-Leste on the mind, and seeing Tasi reminded me that in Tetun, tasi means sea--so I told her so. She smiled, and said, "and in my language it means 'noble.' Aliitasi, 'noble one.'"

So Tasi is just a nickname. Aliitasi is the complete name. It sounded so beautiful when she said it--here, I found it online: Aliitasi.

"'Noble one.' So every time someone says your name, they're respecting you," I said.

"Suuure they are," she said, skeptically.

But I think, yes. Even though they don't know it, even if they're acting disrespectful. Noble One. Even here and now, names have power.

Comments

[browngirl.livejournal.com]

Over a week later I found this beautiful post in my tabs and realized I'd never replied.

I so love how you see, and write about, the world and the people in it. *beams at you*

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

I know what you mean about things in tabs--and what happens to me is then I accidentally close the whole window, and then -_-

These days I feel so ordinary and un-special… I'm touched and humbled to hear these kind words, and so warmed by the love. ((hugs you))