Heads Up English | ESL Lessons

What's In a Name?

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Details: Parent Category: Lower-Intermediate News Lessons; Category: Relationships Lessons; Written by Chris Cotter

In many countries, the woman changes her name when she gets married. Based on tradition, she takes her husband's family name. However, long ago, this meant that the woman had become the property of her husband. Times have definitely changed.

Thankfully, the original purpose has been forgotten in most countries. Women have greater independence and pursue careers, something that was far less common fifty, one hundred, or even more years ago. These days, women opt to keep their pre-marriage identity rather than change their name. They either keep their maiden name or use a hyphen to add their husband's name to theirs.

However, if a man wants to take his wife's name, the process is very ridiculous and time consuming. Michael Buday discovered that he needed to pay more than $300 in licensing fees. He also needed to advertise the change in a newspaper for four weeks. And lastly, he needed to get a judge's approval too. Many other states in the US have similar, old-fashioned policies.

Michael Buday had never thought about a name change before he met Diana Bijon. When she mentioned the idea while they were dating, he wholeheartedly agreed.

Preview some of the lesson material:

Warm Up: Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Your name is your identity.
Your name isn't as important as your character.
It's important for a woman to change her last name when she gets married.
Men should change their last name when they get married.
Anyone should be able to change their name anytime they want.

Fragments: Remember how the fragments were used, and complete the sentence from today's article.

In many countries, the woman changes her name when...
These days, women opt to keep their pre-marriage identity rather...
He also needed to advertise the change in...
Many other states in the...

post-Comprehension: Talk about the following questions in pairs/groups. Remember to support your answers!

Is it easy to change your name in your country? Why/not?
Do you think it's fair that women are expected to change their names after marriage?
Do you think it's fair that it's so difficult for a man to change his name? Why/not?
Do you think it's fair that children usually take their father's family name? Why/not?
Do you agree or disagree? You name is your identity, so changing it changes you.

Google Search: Type "maiden name" into Google. Look at the websites, and/or read additional articles on this topic. Discuss or write an essay about your findings.