Why do some Chinese people have English first names?

[Nook]

Like almost every Chinese person I come across has a non-Chinese first name. Names like Cindy, John, Kevin, Sarah, etc.

My best friend is Chinese, but his first name is Joey. And I also have a friend named Sam and he is Chinese.

How does this happen and why? Can someone explain it?

[thestar99]

This does not apply to just Chinese but to most east Asians. Their native names are hard to pronounce so they change to make their life easier for everyone

[Nook]

This does not apply to just Chinese but to most east Asians. Their native names are hard to pronounce so they change to make their life easier for everyone

However South Asian names can also be very difficult to pronounce, especially some Tamil ones.

Why do you think the East Asian community practices this tradition far more than other groups which also have names that are difficult to pronounce (like many Greek names - first and last)?

[mbg]

The weird thing about this is that they seem to pick their names from a book that is 20 years old.

I mean, you'll get these Chinese guys named Lawrence, Lucifer, Janet, Maureen, etc. when non-Asians in their generation are named David, Mark, Jennifer, Amber, etc.

[sandikosh]

Not only hard to pronounce but also but hard impossible to spell if you are not chinese.

[Nook]

The weird thing about this is that they seem to pick their names from a book that is 20 years old.

I mean, you'll get these Chinese guys named Lawrence, Lucifer, Janet, Maureen, etc. when non-Asians in their generation are named David, Mark, Jennifer, Amber, etc.

I've seen Indigo, Suzanne and Hector but that's really kicking it up a notch.


Not only hard to pronounce but also but hard impossible to spell if you are not chinese.

But they continue to maintain their last names?

[stt55pot]

I've seen Indigo, Suzanne and Hector but that's really kicking it up a notch.



But they continue to maintain their last names?

Why don't you just ask them, if they are your friends the will tell you? I think they just want to make life easy for you so you can say their name easily. Their Chinese names are so hard to remember also...

[Phoenix3434]

I have some Asian co-workers that have adapted Western first names. I always call them by their native name IF they display both. You know something like Ming (Michael) Bai. This would go for any ethnicity. First of all, I think it's nonsense that they would go to the effort of creating a "Western" name. If they completely adapt it, I will of course respect it and call them by that. But, if they give me the option, I will always go with their native name.

[klp2332]

Some Chinese people are from Hong Kong.

Hong Kong was a former British colony and remains very westernized.

A lot of Hong Kong people have English names. Therefore, some Chinese people have English names.

Like any name, it has linguistic, communication or identification purposes. And culture clearly influences names. So, a person can have any name insofar as their culture, or more likely their parents culture, influences the name-forming-process appropriately. One can name their son Bashibobpoweedee if they are so inclined. What is so surprising about that? Thus, it isn't a mystery that some Chinese people have English names, even if they aren't from Hong Kong.

[kuhai2001]

Some Chinese people are from Hong Kong.

Hong Kong was a former British colony and remains very westernized.

A lot of Hong Kong people have English names. Therefore, some Chinese people have English names.

Like any name, it has linguistic, communication or identification purposes. And culture clearly influences names. So, a person can have any name insofar as their culture, or more likely their parents culture, influences the name-forming-process appropriately. One can name their son Bashibobpoweedee if they are so inclined. What is so surprising about that? Thus, it isn't a mystery that some Chinese people have English names, even if they aren't from Hong Kong.

+1

[jedi1648]

They have english first names because they came from hong kong, a former british colony where english WAS the official language and where many peope went to english schools or colleges. However, they all keep their original chinese first names.

The chinese name may sometimes confuse the western people, as the family name comes frist, to be followed generally by first and middle name, not to mention one (may be more) chinese family name is without a vowel (hard to pronunce), e.g., Ng.

Having an english first name facilitates business communication with non chinese in western society. Chinese in mainland china generally dont have an english first name.

[yao416]

So Chinese people Cant have English names?

[iEyeCaptain]

So Chinese people Cant have English names?

i know some chinese wihout english names. does that means they more chinese than me?

hi yao

oh and.. racist thread. pls lock.

[uber_shnitz]

Are you sure they don't have dual names (one Asian and one English)? That's what I do. Legally I have 2 names, but on my school papers, I only use the English one (because they said "it didn't fit" on the forms :razz:).

And even so, why shouldn't they? People can give their kids any name they want. The first name is left to the parents' discretion for a reason: so they can choose whatever it is they want or feel like. I don't see why they should be limited to names in a given language or culture.

[klehrie]

LOL I thought this was just a HA-HA thread to the "Why do some Chinese people have Vietnamese last names"

[AudiDude]

Makes it easy for me. All my Chinese buddies are called Jimmy...

[wilsonlam97]

I've seen Indigo, Suzanne and Hector but that's really kicking it up a notch.



But they continue to maintain their last names?

No religious discussion.

[wilsonlam97]

Are you sure they don't have dual names (one Asian and one English)? That's what I do. Legally I have 2 names, but on my school papers, I only use the English one (because they said "it didn't fit" on the forms :razz:).

And even so, why shouldn't they? People can give their kids any name they want. The first name is left to the parents' discretion for a reason: so they can choose whatever it is they want or feel like. I don't see why they should be limited to names in a given language or culture.

Yeah lol

[Pochacco]

because my parents gave me one :D

[setell]

I have some Asian co-workers that have adapted Western first names. I always call them by their native name IF they display both. You know something like Ming (Michael) Bai. This would go for any ethnicity. First of all, I think it's nonsense that they would go to the effort of creating a "Western" name. If they completely adapt it, I will of course respect it and call them by that. But, if they give me the option, I will always go with their native name.

What if their "Western" name is their native name? You can't assume everybody has the name Ming as a native name when there is nothing wrong with Michael.

It's pretty judgmental to say it's nonsense to have a "Western" last name when a name is a name that can be anything that you come up with.

[Ghiness]

brb Kevins everywhere

[Pochacco]

LOL I thought this was just a HA-HA thread to the "Why do some Chinese people have Vietnamese last names"

Maybe I should start a thread of Asian common last names such as :)

Li / Lee / Ly / Le / Lie
Ng in Cantonese / Woo in Mandarin
Wong / Hwang / Wang / Ngô
Wu / Woo

[Supercooled]

I have an english bame but my native name sounds too much like a girls. legally it remains unchanged but i read somewhere tht if used long enough it can become official through common usge.

[Hairball]

I don't consider myself Chinese, and probably my parents didn't either, so that's why they only gave me an English first name.

[dragon_drift]

Some people choose the weirdest names. Off the top of my head: Johnson, Bright, Talent, Shadow etc.

[Hairball]

Some people choose the weirdest names. Off the top of my head: Johnson, Bright, Talent, Shadow etc.

Best one I've seen is this female Cathay Pacific flight attendant named "Lettice" on a flight last month, I LOLed.

[Supercooled]

Isnt hat pronounced lateesha like afro?

[spike1128]

I don't consider myself Chinese, and probably my parents didn't either, so that's why they only gave me an English first name.

Mostly all CBC in Canada has their official names in English (it's written in the birth certificate). While parents might or might not give him/her an unofficial Chinese name. That's what your parents did it.

[Hairball]

Mostly all CBC in Canada has their official names in English (it's written in the birth certificate). While parents might or might not give him/her an unofficial Chinese name. That's what your parents did it.

Well, only English and French characters are accepted on Canadian birth certificates, but I don't have a Chinese sounding name either on my birth certificate.


What a disgrace to Chinese

How is it a disgrace? I feel I am more Canadian anyways.

[yao416]

Minus whale name yourself Harrison McDonalds

[wilsonlam97]

What a disgrace to Chinese

lol yao. I have my Chinese name as my "middle name".

Don't tell dah gwai lo whut your china man name is. Its dah secrecy.

[Abel4Life]

IMO it probably helps out on the resume and in the workplace.

[thestar99]

IMO it probably helps out on the resume and in the workplace.

If they are going to discriminate they will just look at your last name and not call you. Unless your names is Kevin Lee.

[kenchau66]

i never knew the chinese can't be born in Canada

we must all be immigrants

[thestar99]

i never knew the chinese can't be born in Canada

we must all be immigrants

OP is talking about fobs who cant speak a lick of english but they change their name to kevin, michael or other anglo names. If you cant speak english you are not getting a job.

[Takada]

If they are going to discriminate they will just look at your last name and not call you. Unless your names is Kevin Lee.

Wrong. There was a Canadian study a few years ago I think showing that if you have an asian (south or east, etc) first and last name on your resume, you have a far less chance of getting an interview. This discrimination decreases if you have a "Western" first name. And it's completely gone if you have a Western first and last name.

[thestar99]

Wrong. There was a Canadian study a few years ago I think showing that if you have an asian (south or east, etc) first and last name on your resume, you have a far less chance of getting an interview. This discrimination decreases if you have a "Western" first name. And it's completely gone if you have a Western first and last name.

Discrimination decreases not disappears so the point is still valid. If someone does not want to hire a chinese guy it does not matter if your name is Andrew Wong Or Ming Wong.

[kenchau66]

OP is talking about fobs who cant speak a lick of english but they change their name to kevin, michael or other anglo names. If you cant speak english you are not getting a job.

he didn't specify in his original post so he is open to my attack

yolo

[xlc_88]

To Caucasians general population if you are not white you will always be an immigrant regardless if your family has lived for generations

I wish we can get that conception removed. Caucasians themselves are immigrants if you really think about it...all our ancestors were immigrants unless you were Native American.

Of course no one has brought up the topic of inherent racism when it comes to interviews if your name is not "Anglo" enough.

[kenchau66]

To Caucasians general population if you are not white you will always be an immigrant regardless if your family has lived for generations

source?

[thestar99]

I wish we can get that conception removed. Caucasians themselves are immigrants if you really think about it...all our ancestors were immigrants unless you were Native American.

Of course no one has brought up the topic of inherent racism when it comes to interviews if your name is not "Anglo" enough.

They were immigrants but majority of natives were wiped out. Hence they were here first before us and claim that they are true canadian.

[Takada]

Discrimination decreases not disappears so the point is still valid. If someone does not want to hire a chinese guy it does not matter if your name is Andrew Wong Or Ming Wong.

Well clearly it does because Andrew Wong is going to get many more interviews than Ming Wong even if they both have the same resume.

[xlc_88]

They were immigrants but majority of natives were wiped out. Hence they were here first before us and claim that they are true canadian.

I think its only true when a wave of new immigrants enter into North America. We are in a period of time where there is a influx of Asian/Chinese immigrants causing an increase perception to Caucasians that Asians are immigrants...even to those that were born here and speak English.

Something similar happen to the many waves of immigration of Jews entering into North America in the 20th century.

[JAGpilot]

How about Chinese people with weird English names like "Persiphany" and "Queenie"

[kenchau66]

Well clearly it does because Andrew Wong is going to get many more interviews than Ming Wong even if they both have the same resume.

Ming Wong is playing life on hard mode

[HandsomeRob]

To Caucasians general population if you are not white you will always be an immigrant regardless if your family has lived for generations

Wow.

Prejudiced much?

[IceBlueShoes]

It's just a nick name. That's all.

[HandsomeRob]

I wish we can get that conception removed. Caucasians themselves are immigrants if you really think about it...all our ancestors were immigrants unless you were Native American.

Of course no one has brought up the topic of inherent racism when it comes to interviews if your name is not "Anglo" enough.

But then the current native groups are kind of immigrants too as their is evidence a plenty of even older civilizations that were wiped out or assimilated who were here first.

[stuntman]

If I move to Hong Kong I will change my name. I thought about it before and think I like Bruce Lee myLastname

[HTTP04]

The weird thing about this is that they seem to pick their names from a book that is 20 years old.

I mean, you'll get these Chinese guys named Lawrence, Lucifer, Janet, Maureen, etc. when non-Asians in their generation are named David, Mark, Jennifer, Amber, etc.

dafuq

who names themselves lucifer lol

[tick]

http://4chanmemeandmotivational.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/awsome_-_its_never_lost_in_translation.jpg?w=720

[steve-0101]

So how can I get myself a Chinese first name?

[manixc]

Mostly because Westerner often don't understand Chinese names are usually two words and they just keep saying the first word.

[Engi-Nir]

I used to wonder this exact question long time ago, and now don't think about it.

Eitherway, I wouldn't change my name to satisfy anyone, I am happy with my name! What I noticed is, white people have no issues learning to pronounce my name, and I have a tamil name haha.

If someone is going to change their first name, might as well change their last name also.

[o0vL]

It's just a nick slave name. That's all.
fixed.

[Dina_E]

I noticed though Japanese people rarely change their name.

its not just Chinese though.

I know an Italian guy who's real name is giannpaulo and he's legal known as Paul.

[nauru]

http://4chanmemeandmotivational.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/awsome_-_its_never_lost_in_translation.jpg?w=720

So in Singapore do they actually write your race on your identity card?

[Corleone187]

its mainly to blend in and get a good job. You have to somewhat sell-out those things that can be used to discriminate against you when you want to make money.

Asian people in general care less about the superficial. You may notice Asian people generally dont get offended by racial slurs. Simply because they dont care, it's too superficial to even bother. What they do care about though is money and quality of life so they would have zero problem selling out their first name or even last name if it meant having more money or a better life for them or their kids or whatever

[manmanny]

OP is talking about fobs who cant speak a lick of english but they change their name to kevin, michael or other anglo names. If you cant speak english you are not getting a job.

really? Dont agree. Which Toronto you talking about?
If you know Chinese(Mando/Canto) then your are fines. AT least that's what I see is area above 401, from Yonge to Kennedy. Check any Canad Post outlet, convenience store, cleaners, Super Market, and many other stores.
As far as Corporate jobs many developers/tech/Rogers Tech now their stuff but are worse than I in english. My friend "Jason" a mainland import was expert in many programing languages but sucked in conversational English.
Same about other programmers and developers. Observed same with many Russian/ East European imports.
So neighbor "Bill" is also from mainland and suck in language. He works for OHIP for last 19 years.

So you don't need a Language fluency to get job in Canada but need contacts.

[kuhai2001]

So how can I get myself a Chinese first name?

If you really want one, there are professionals who do that. Basically they look at your date of birth, time of birth, zodiac signs, 5 elements everything and do calculations and give you few choices that are compatible to your last name. Some experienced fortune teller can do that. It is the best to find a name that brings you the best luck, but I wish I had a name with better meaning and sounded cooler.

[Syne]

its mainly to blend in and get a good job. You have to somewhat sell-out those things that can be used to discriminate against you when you want to make money.

Asian people in general care less about the superficial. You may notice Asian people generally dont get offended by racial slurs. Simply because they dont care, it's too superficial to even bother. What they do care about though is money and quality of life so they would have zero problem selling out their first name or even last name if it meant having more money or a better life for them or their kids or whatever

It could also be that most asian stereotypes are generally either positive or neutral (with one notable exception) compared to other races.

[sylpherware]

English names are "nicknames" in the eyes of Chinese. They'd tell you their English name, but they all have their Chinese names down for "official names".

Historically, a lot of Chinese people have multiple "names" - given birth name, peer-given name, emperor-given name, posthumous name, etc etc., they just don't use them all at once.

[coolspot]

Same about other programmers and developers. Observed same with many Russian/ East European imports.
So neighbor "Bill" is also from mainland and suck in language. He works for OHIP for last 19 years.

So you don't need a Language fluency to get job in Canada but need contacts.


Yes, but their managers probably speak better English ;)

[woodstock827]

English names are "nicknames" in the eyes of Chinese. They'd tell you their English name, but they all have their Chinese names down for "official names".

Historically, a lot of Chinese people have multiple "names" - given birth name, peer-given name, emperor-given name, posthumous name, etc etc., they just don't use them all at once.

+1

And it's mostly a HongKong thing anyway (and possibly Taiwan) although China is starting to do it... Cantonese just sound extremely bad in English...

In HK lots of people have "Western" names and it's feels more casual to call you friend by the Western name... put another twist to this, if a HK person has a Western name, the Chinese name is usually reserved for very close friends/family only.

On the other end of the spectrum, HongKong media does give Chinese names (usually 2 to 4 characters) to well-known Western people whenever they can... They purposely make their name sounds like a real Chinese name..

[manmanny]

Yes, but their managers probably speak better English ;)

Off course because most Managers are local "Whites".

[dighn]

its mainly to blend in and get a good job. You have to somewhat sell-out those things that can be used to discriminate against you when you want to make money.

Asian people in general care less about the superficial. You may notice Asian people generally dont get offended by racial slurs. Simply because they dont care, it's too superficial to even bother. What they do care about though is money and quality of life so they would have zero problem selling out their first name or even last name if it meant having more money or a better life for them or their kids or whatever

LOL I've never seen it as "sell-out". It's just a name to facilitate communication. Adopting an English name makes it easier for everyone.

Last name though goes into the territory of culture, tradition and family. However first names are used far more commonly, and Chinese surnames are usually short and easy to pronounce.

[mucat]

So make it easier for the english only folks.

[dealseeker2011]

I believe this was given to them by either by their English teachers or their parents. The purpose of this is for other nationalities to easily recognize them.

[UrbanPoet]

Wow.

Prejudiced much?

Yes. It is very much prejudice.
But thats the truth... In this world you will always be an IMMIGRANT due to color.

Everyone will ask where a asian person 'really' comes from. They never accept the fact that maybe they're just plain Canadian even if they're2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th generation Canadian.


Why does it matter where my parents are born? In most cases an Asian can't simply be just 'CAnadian'.

[13sundin]

What a disgrace to Chinese

agreed

+88x

english names for the english language and chinese name for chinese languages thats how i see it

[dragon_drift]

Yes. It is very much prejudice.
But thats the truth... In this world you will always be an IMMIGRANT due to color.

Everyone will ask where a asian person 'really' comes from. They never accept the fact that maybe they're just plain Canadian even if they're2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th generation Canadian.


Why does it matter where my parents are born? In most cases an Asian can't simply be just 'CAnadian'.

While I was getting my passport renewed, the gentleman asked me if I spoke English even though I had a North American style name. :S

[heyjoe]

'cause it's easier to say

[rdx]

LOL I thought this was just a HA-HA thread to the "Why do some Chinese people have Vietnamese last names"

Because lot of Chinese were born and/or live in Vietnam. All these so called English last name to Chinese is purely a translation based on how it is pronounced, nothing to do with how it is written in Chinese. So, the same Chinese last name could be translated into different English speling word depends on where they are from and what they speak.

e.g. Ng in Cantonese is Woo in Mandarin
e.g. Wong in Cantonese is Wang in Mandarin
e.g. Chan is Cantonese is Chen in Mandarin.

Also, the same English spelling Chinese last names do not necessarily mean the same Chinese last name, they could simple have the same/close pronounciation in Chinese.

[manmanny]

Yes. It is very much prejudice.
But thats the truth... In this world you will always be an IMMIGRANT due to color.

Everyone will ask where a asian person 'really' comes from. They never accept the fact that maybe they're just plain Canadian even if they're2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th generation Canadian.


Why does it matter where my parents are born? In most cases an Asian can't simply be just 'CAnadian'.

Its funny. What I observed or have seen many Asians (Asian countries) asking other Asians "where are they from".

Why do people from Asian countries assume every other Asian has just arrived from somewhere?
Asian people born or grown here, schooled here, have different view and rarely ask these questions.

[manmanny]

Because lot of Chinese were born and/or live in Vietnam. All these so called English last name to Chinese is purely a translation based on how it is pronounced, nothing to do with how it is written in Chinese. So, the same Chinese last name could be translated into different English speling word depends on where they are from and what they speak.

e.g. Ng in Cantonese is Woo in Mandarin
e.g. Wong in Cantonese is Wang in Mandarin
e.g. Chan is Cantonese is Chen in Mandarin.

Also, the same English spelling Chinese last names do not necessarily mean the same Chinese last name, they could simple have the same/close pronounciation in Chinese.

Good to know about my friend Jason Wang.
Not that I care and needed to know.

[forthewinwin]

Either they were born here, or they just made it for personal preference. Or, so others can have an easier time to pronounce the name(s).

[Simaahoy]

Like almost every Chinese person I come across has a non-Chinese first name. Names like Cindy, John, Kevin, Sarah, etc.

My best friend is Chinese, but his first name is Joey. And I also have a friend named Sam and he is Chinese.

How does this happen and why? Can someone explain it?

I had a teacher in high school that would ask international Chinese students their name. When they state a western name, the guy would be "Yeah, right what is your real name?" or "Is that your fake name or what?" It really sucked when everyone laughed at his remarks.

[forthewinwin]

Are you sure they don't have dual names (one Asian and one English)? That's what I do. Legally I have 2 names, but on my school papers, I only use the English one (because they said "it didn't fit" on the forms :razz:).

And even so, why shouldn't they? People can give their kids any name they want. The first name is left to the parents' discretion for a reason: so they can choose whatever it is they want or feel like. I don't see why they should be limited to names in a given language or culture.

Hey, it's the same thing with me. :razz:



If they are going to discriminate they will just look at your last name and not call you. Unless your names is Kevin Lee.

I heard stories about some people even changing their last names for those purposes, although more commonly for university entrance purposes.


its mainly to blend in and get a good job. You have to somewhat sell-out those things that can be used to discriminate against you when you want to make money.

Asian people in general care less about the superficial. You may notice Asian people generally dont get offended by racial slurs. Simply because they dont care, it's too superficial to even bother. What they do care about though is money and quality of life so they would have zero problem selling out their first name or even last name if it meant having more money or a better life for them or their kids or whatever

+1

There is a very strong focus on making a living above all, in the culture. A name change doesn't bother us. We're also used to throwing around racial slurs and receiving them.


It could also be that most asian stereotypes are generally either positive or neutral (with one notable exception) compared to other races.

Yes that's true, and it's nice when you meet the parent(s) of whoever you're dating/seeing. You do get some funny remarks sometimes, but they're usually directed in a good way.


If you really want one, there are professionals who do that. Basically they look at your date of birth, time of birth, zodiac signs, 5 elements everything and do calculations and give you few choices that are compatible to your last name. Some experienced fortune teller can do that. It is the best to find a name that brings you the best luck, but I wish I had a name with better meaning and sounded cooler.

What's common is to make a Chinese name that sounds somewhat close to your English one.

[TheRed]

Can Westerns have Chinese names?

[Xiaohaibao]

The better question is, why other immigrants don't? If your name is unpronouncable to english speakers the least you can do is change it to an english name to make it easier to get along with people in the country that was nice enough to let you in.

[desidealer49]

The better question is, why other immigrants don't? If your name is unpronouncable to english speakers the least you can do is change it to an english name to make it easier to get along with people in the country that was nice enough to let you in.

So when are you changing your forum name to something we can pronounce and spell easily?

[Xiaohaibao]

Haha good one but I actually have a common english name.

[Hairball]

Can Westerns have Chinese names?

Of course. This man speaks Chinese better than the Chinese: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dashan

Also known as Mark Rowswell from Ottawa.

[Mars2012]

If you use an English sounding name but your legal name is Asian, or whatever nationality, you should consider getting it legally added. I've heard about people who had problems accessing their pension and other benefits due to name issues.

Admittedly, I have a difficult time pronouncing some names, especially Mandarin ones, but I don't think a person should be obligated to change just to make it easier for English-speaking people to say.

[Nook]

There was an article in Canada stating that people with non-English names have a lower chance of getting called for a job interview, compared to others.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economy-lab/daily-mix/whats-in-a-name-a-job-maybe/article2201151/

According to University of Toronto researchers Philip Oreopoulos and Diane Dechief, applications submitted by people with English-sounding names are 47 per cent more likely to receive callbacks than those with Indian or Chinese ones in Toronto, 39 per cent more likely in Montreal, and 20 per cent more likely in Vancouver.

Bias discriminating against foreign names exists it seems.

[djemzine]

However South Asian names can also be very difficult to pronounce, especially some Tamil ones.

Why do you think the East Asian community practices this tradition far more than other groups which also have names that are difficult to pronounce (like many Greek names - first and last)?

Good point you bring up. As an East Indian, I have not decided to change my name despite the difficult pronunciation. Many East Indians have not also changed their names legally, but yes you are correct, many oriental people have changed their first names legally to Anglo names for better pronunciations.

Despite the fact that's its easier to pronounce, they should still keep their proper first names and be proud of it imo. I find it quiet pointless to be honest imo. Maybe they think they'll fit into society? Who knows.


There was an article in Canada stating that people with non-English names have a lower chance of getting called for a job interview, compared to others.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economy-lab/daily-mix/whats-in-a-name-a-job-maybe/article2201151/


Bias discriminating against foreign names exists it seems.

This is true to an extent. From what I recall, when my dad was applying for jobs way back, he initially had his first name on his resume, but after changing it to "Roger", he started getting calls. Of course it was pretty bias, but he didn't change his first name legally.

[woodstock827]

Can Westerns have Chinese names?

yes. But usually only your last name is turned into Chinese although it sounds like a real complete Chinese name.

some examples (Cantonese):
Jack Layton - 林頓 (Lam Dun)
Dalton McGuinty - 麥堅迪 (Mc Geen Dic)
Obama - 奧巴馬 (O Ba Ma)
Chris Patten (last governor of HK) - 彭定康 (Pang Ding Hong)

[Hitman21]

One thing I dont understand is why many Chinese people and sometimes other nationalities have English names yet many south asians dont, I know south asians who take their full name and have a short form/English name for it like Navdeep is Nav/Navi.

Is it really to make it easier to pronounce or is it to make themselves more white?

[Hairball]

One thing I dont understand is why many Chinese people and sometimes other nationalities have English names yet many south asians dont, I know south asians who take their full name and have a short form/English name for it like Navdeep is Nav/Navi.

Is it really to make it easier to pronounce or is it to make themselves more white?

Well there are pros and cons of assimilating yourself to the local culture, which can include getting a more westernized name.

Just like foreigners may also have Chinese names in China, is there really a problem with this?

[joeyjoejoe]

Well there are pros and cons of assimilating yourself to the local culture, which can include getting a more westernized name.

Just like foreigners may also have Chinese names in China, is there really a problem with this?

I agree. But times are changing. 20 years ago, every Korean I knew that immigrated to Canada, chose an English name, but lately I see a lot more kids not even bother getting an English name.

Same with a few of my Indian friends. They were born in Canada. They have both an English name and an Indian name. However, some have chosen to give their kids only Indian names.

[sylpherware]

Is it really to make it easier to pronounce or is it to make themselves more white?

Does it matter?

Did Thomas Anderson pick "Neo" to make himself more matrix-y? :lol:

[JAC]

I think it's admirable to try to blend in. Nothing more awkward than guessing at someone's name and getting it wrong. When I'm in Asia, I adopt the name Hung-lo.

[MissMalfoy]

One thing I dont understand is why many Chinese people and sometimes other nationalities have English names yet many south asians dont, I know south asians who take their full name and have a short form/English name for it like Navdeep is Nav/Navi.

Is it really to make it easier to pronounce or is it to make themselves more white?

Probably most want it to be easier to pronounce. I stopped correcting people with how to say my first name (spelled like a "Western name" but pronounced the Slavic way, which is especially interesting because I have an Irish surname - not quite the same but I understand) because sometimes it can just be embarrassing for both people. It's just more convenient for everyone. For some people it's just like a nickname.

[aplayaz2000]

well their parents want their kids to blend end... disregarding their a minority in North America

Won, Ping, Liux, Wei, Jackie Chan
obviously stands out

but remember folks, ethnicity is dead... nationality is where it's at
so long to the chinese folks when they immigrate to North America
making love to different nations and backgrounds... rip ethnicity

[Aznsilvrboy]

I agree. But times are changing. 20 years ago, every Korean I knew that immigrated to Canada, chose an English name, but lately I see a lot more kids not even bother getting an English name.

Same with a few of my Indian friends. They were born in Canada. They have both an English name and an Indian name. However, some have chosen to give their kids only Indian names.

I think Korean names (including last names) are actually very easy to pronounce. First, three last names covers 80% of the population (Kim, Lee, Park). Second, I found Korean first names to be very repetitive and it seems like it's always a combination of more or less the same words: Ji, Woo, Eun, Jung, Jin, Hyo, Sun, Dong, Yoo, Na and etc. Westerners should be able to pronounce it easily. There's no need for them to get an English name unless they want to integrate more. Chinese first names are different because romanized Chinese names are based on Pinyin in which latin alphabets are pronounced differently than in English.

[zonetbh]

There are some Chinese names that are close to or flat out profane in English. Letting your kid run around being called that after migrating to an English speaking country would be nothing but torture for the poor little guy/gal.

That and it can be very annoying when nobody can pronounce your crazy foreign name. My great great grampa dropped his Ukrainian last name and adopted a British last name when he migrated here because nobody could pronounce or spell it correctly, so this isn't just limited to Chinese. RECENTLY its more limited to Chinese I will admit that...but lets face it, Chinese names are absolutely historical in English I mean my Chinese friends original first names are insane, no English speaking native of this country would be able to say them without bursting out laughing.

[Aznsilvrboy]

There are some Chinese names that are close to or flat out profane in English. Letting your kid run around being called that after migrating to an English speaking country would be nothing but torture for the poor little guy/gal.

That and it can be very annoying when nobody can pronounce your crazy foreign name. My great great grampa dropped his Ukrainian last name and adopted a British last name when he migrated here because nobody could pronounce or spell it correctly, so this isn't just limited to Chinese. RECENTLY its more limited to Chinese I will admit that...but lets face it, Chinese names are absolutely historical in English I mean my Chinese friends original first names are insane, no English speaking native of this country would be able to say them without bursting out laughing.

Historical?

[zonetbh]

Historical?

Pretty sure in the context surrounding that typo its obvious what was meant, so much so I won't bother editing it...lol