Parents Name Their Baby after Internet Company to Get Free Wi-Fi

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Category: Human Interest

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. dare / dɛər / (v) – to challenge someone to do something dangerous, difficult, or humiliating
    Example:

    I dared my brother to eat a big spoonful of wasabi.


  2. verification / ˌvɛr ə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən / (n) – the act of checking, proving, or finding out whether something is accurate or true
    Example:

    The bank’s verification process requires customers to submit an ID.


  3. hesitate / ˈhɛz ɪˌteɪt / (v) – to stop before doing something because one is nervous or unsure
    Example:

    She hesitated to answer the question because she wasn’t sure if she had the correct answer.


  4. eternal / ɪˈtɜr nl / (adj) – forever
    Example:

    The story is about a woman trying to find a fountain that brings eternal youth.


  5. accuse / əˈkyuz / (v) – to say that someone is guilty of doing something bad, wrong, or illegal
    Example:

    It’s not right to accuse someone without any proof.


Article

Read the text below.

A couple named their baby girl “Twifia” after the Swiss internet company Twifi to get free home internet for 18 years.


In an online advertisement, Twifi dared parents to name their newborn babies after the company in exchange for 18 years of free Wi-Fi. The internet provider said parents could name their baby “Twifius” for a boy or “Twifia” for a girl.


According to Twifi, parents only need to upload their child’s birth certificate to the company’s website to qualify for free internet service. After the verification process, the family will get 18 years of free internet service from Twifi.


The parents, who wanted to remain anonymous, decided to accept the offer and named their baby girl “Twifia.” According to them, they hesitated with the decision at first because they felt embarrassed to use the name. Eventually, they decided to take the offer and used “Twifia” as their baby daughter’s second middle name. According to the parents, the more they thought about the name, the more it seemed unique and charming to them. They realized the name could mean “connection” or “eternal bond.”


The 30- and 35-year-old parents of Twifia also saw the offer as an opportunity to save for their daughter’s future. They have decided to put the money saved from not having to pay for internet for 18 years into an account for her.


Despite being accused of selling their child’s name, the parents said their daughter could also use the money to change her name in the future if she wanted to.


Other parents are still welcome to take on the challenge, according to the company. Twifi CEO Philippe Fotsch promised that the company will continue to honor its commitment to provide free Wi-Fi to the family even if Twifi goes bankrupt.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Do you agree with the parents’ decision to name their baby after Twifi? Why or why not?
• Do you think the parents’ decision to put the money saved from not having to pay internet for 18 years into an account for their daughter is a good idea? Why or why not?

Discussion B

• What do you think parents should consider when naming their children (e.g. how long the name is, how the name sounds)? Explain.
• If you were given the chance to change your name, would you change it? Why or why not?