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Like many immigrants to the U.S., my grandmother was most comfortable using her mother tongue (Swedish). She understood spoken and written English well, but felt insecure using it. She was never able to say the 'J' sound common in English but non-existent in Swedish. She also had trouble making the 'th' sound -- again, a common thing for Swedes.
She had five children who provided her with 21 grandchildren. They all knew their mom's limitations when it came to speaking English, yet the grandchildren's names included Yanet, Yoann, Yohn, Yanis, Yane, Yudy, Yoanie, Yames, and Timoty.
I don't know if spouses influenced the name choices, or if my aunts, uncles and parents yust weren't tinking.
Could be verse!
She had five children who provided her with 21 grandchildren. They all knew their mom's limitations when it came to speaking English, yet the grandchildren's names included Yanet, Yoann, Yohn, Yanis, Yane, Yudy, Yoanie, Yames, and Timoty.
I don't know if spouses influenced the name choices, or if my aunts, uncles and parents yust weren't tinking.
Could be verse!
* Source: Bulletin Board, St. Paul Pioneer Press, 7/31/2013