Until fairly recently, most people around the world had only one name. Only the rich, with property to pass down, or those who travelled far from home, needed anything more than a personal name. Even today, many Indonesians go by a single name.
When Chinese started using family names these were often borrowed from their local lord. Thus whole communities in some parts of the country have the same name. For example, most people called Huang claim a connection to Huang Di, the Yellow Emperor.
While the English tended to form surnames either from their fathers’ personal name (Johnson, Richardson, Williams, Edwards) or from their profession (Carpenter, Mason, Smith), the Japanese turned to the natural environment, producing Fujibayashi (wisteria woods) Tanaka (in the middle of the field), and Yamashita (below the mountain).
It can be difficult to know which is a family name and which a personal one. Some Asian communities place personal names first, as in most European societies (Thaksin Shinawatra). Others begin with the family name (Lee Kwan Yew, Abe Shinzo). In many Muslim communities it is common to put your father’s personal name after your own personal name, but it is not the same as a family name because it changes with each generation. And so in Malaysia, Zubaidah Ibrahim is listed under Z, her personal name, and not I, the name of her father.
Even if we can distinguish personal and family names, we still need to know which one to use. Thais hardly ever use family names. They either use a personal name – Khun (Mr) Abhisit – or a nickname (Daeng = red; Yai = big; Lek = small). Sometimes I only learn the real names of Thai friends when we travel together and I see their passport.
In contrast, there are some Asian societies where personal names are rarely used. Goh Chenchuan may not mind being called Chenchuan – or even Charlie – while in America, but he may expect his colleagues to call him Mr Goh back home in Hong Kong.
Many Chinese around Southeast Asia have English personal names used alongside Chinese ones. A Singaporean child might be called Kelvin by his schoolfriends but Chun Pay by his grandmother. The practice is also spreading to Singapore’s Malays, such as actors Sharon Ismail and Aron Aziz. It is also happening in China, where many people make very imaginative choices. While there, you may meet a Jackal Chang, Apple Zhang, Weenie Wang or even Satan Han.
In many situations we have to address people whose name we don’t know. This can be difficult in English ('sir' and 'madam' may only be suitable for formal occasions), but most Asian languages have a wide range of titles, such as the Japanese terms untenshu-san (driver); sensei (teacher); onii-san (‘older brother’) or obaa-san (‘grandmother’) for people of appropriate professions or ages. These practices often get transferred when Asians speak English. For example, many Indians and Chinese call middle-aged ladies ‘aunty’ even if they have never met them before.
In Japam, most women have to change their family name into husband's family name.
ReplyDeleteBut I think women don't need to chande theirs. Because the custom in Japan that women have t o change theirs would make a discrmination.
The world trend is that we should make a equality society for women.So I think we should give women the right to choose which family name is better, theirs or hushand's.
In addition, I also think fmaily name should not be differernt between wife and hushand. Beacause I think the same family name would make their bond strong.
Hi Hiroyuki. As you know, in many Asian countries (such as Korea), women do not change their name when they marry. And this practice is also becoming common in English-speaking countries. As a compromise, some women add their husband's family name to their own (eg Ms Jane Parker Smith), which is similar to the custom in Spanish-speaking countries.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, you say it is better that husbands and wives have the same name but think it is discrimination when a woman changes her name. So do you mean that you think the husband should change his name instead? This often used to happen in Japan, especially when a man married a woman who had no brothers. But the practice seems to be less common nowadays.
In Japan woman when she marry change her name into the her husband name. This the custom.
ReplyDeleteSo many people point out this the discrimination.But the Jpanese low do not compel. Accordig to the low either name woman or man is admited in other word it can chose by the cuple.Now Japanese goverment is discussing the new low. The low is which a cuple marry dont change her and his name.
I think it is the good idea.
The way I see it, the Japanese law should be changed so that married couples can keep or change their surname,because under the current law,either a husband or wife is supposed to change their surname,but in practice,it is usually women who do so,which can be a lot of trouble,especially for those who have jobs and want to continue to work after they get married. The law was made when it was taken for granted that women would stop working after getting married. Given the social advancement of women,I would say it is out of date.
ReplyDeleteI think celebrities such as comedian,pro-wrestler and singer tend to have a unique stage-name like "Wakki" "Tiger mask"and"Misia".
ReplyDeleteThis is because they wants us to remember their name at once.It's ok while those celebrities have gained popularity.But if they lost popularity,they'd feel unhappy when they go shopping in supermarket.Immutable name is rare.Many parents tend to name their children after famous person.But what would parents do if the famous person were offender.I'd like to listen to parent's excuse.
It is surprising that Thai uses a personal name and a nickname in formal.Moreover Chainese around Southeast Asia have English personal name and Chainese one.It is interesting too .Is this English name merely translate English name into Chainese one?
ReplyDeleteI though everyone have a personal name and a family name.But possibly one communities having a different culture exist.
Hi Shiori. In China, Taiwan and Hong Kong I think most people have one family name and either one or two personal names, and these are nearly always in Chinese characters, but nowadays many of them also have and English -or an English-like personal name. I don't think this name is usually registered on their birth certificate or family register.
ReplyDeleteIn Singapore most Chinese people seem to have a Chinese family name and an English or western name, but some of them have Chinese personal names. I do not know whether names are written in Chinese characters or in roman alphabet when they are registered. If any readers have information about this I would be very interested to know.
By the way, in some countries, such as Britain, people can legally use any name (not only the one written on their birth certificate) as long as they do not intend to commit a crime by using that name!
It was very interested for me to know some kinds of name structure in the world. I thought that "family name and personal name is the general structure of name. So I was surprised that it is different from country to country. I have ever heard that Myanmar people have only a "personal name". And then I wonder why they have no family name nevertheless they have their ancestor. But I understand it is enought for them because of different culture. On the other hand, people who come from some countries of west Asia have very complicated name. (own name+father's name+ancestor name+tribe name). In Europe, people have middle name or sometime four structure name. Because it seems that it has influence of immigration. Japanese people had a long name as well in Edo era. When I finished reading this blog, I realized that when we meet for the first time ( include foreigner) we ask only a name and we did not show interest for middle name or others. If we know more about the name structure, it would be more fun when we talk with other countries friends.
ReplyDeleteIt is interested for me to know kind of name structure in the world. I think the name is very important in Japan. Why? I don't know...but, There are many ways of calling. I think there are many way of calling in Asia. Asia is very interesting. Because, It has many cultures.
ReplyDelete