How should I list names in my contact list? My instinct is to list John Smith as John SMITH ('Johnny'). I shall look at names from different languages and countries, listed alphabetically for my conveneince and yours: American names, British names, Chinese Names, Indian Names, Jewish Names, Korean Names.
American Family Names
Americans often use the same name. John Smith 1, John Smith 2, John Smith 3.
American First Names
Americans often use first names, and shorten the first names, so Alexander becomes Alex or Al.
Arabic Names
The first name if they are male muslims is frequently Mohammed. Also spelled Mahammad. The names are similar to English names derived from Greek derived from Hebrew.
For example, the English Abraham in Arabic could be Ibrahim, David could be Dawood, Joshua could be Jeshua,
Son of could be Bin. As in the well known surname Bin Laden. There must be plenty more. You can look them up.
UK flag
Britain
At British Schools, i
n a class register, or boarding school, the names would be listed as
SMITH, John
SMITH, Peter
The same would apply in a committee agenda, listing those present, or the index of a book.
British Family Names
SMITH in capitals is the Family or clan name.
Forenames and First Names
The small letters are the personal name. In traditional British English we would say Christian name.
Chinese Names
In Chinese I would write LEE Kwan Yew (Lee-Kwan-Yew not Mr Lee) because Lee Kwan Yew was cross when people called him Mr Lee and wanted to be known Chinese style by all three names. At clubs in Singapore I often get confused because I am given only the personal names.
Chinese names are hard for the English speakers to remember. So the Chinese often say, 'Call me Peter,' giving you an English nickname.
I have lots of Peters.
Should you list 'Peter/ first or last?
When you get an email, the name used in the email is often a clue.
Jewish and Hebrew Names
Jews would say, Hebrew name. The Hebrew name, written in Hebrew, might be used in the marriage certificate, at the wedding cermoney, in a bar or batmitzvah ceremony, and on the gravestone.
For biblical names, that is easy. Abraham or Joshua become the same, with Hebrew pronounciation, written in Hebrew. If the name has no equivalent, a nearby similar sounding name starting wiht the same letter might be chosen. For example, a girl with the English name Hazel on her British birth certificate, might have the Hebrew name Hannah.
Son of would be Ben, as in the first name, Benjamin (son of my right hand). As a surname, think of Ben Gurion (Israeli Parliament) or Ben Hur (movie).
Intrusive Or Practical Questions?
A Jewish man asked me if I was married, divorced or widowed. I thought that was an intrusive question. If you are asked a personal question, simply ask, 'Why do you want to know?' He was a Cohen, not just adopting the name Cohen but a religious Jew, and Cohen means priest. Jewish priests are not allowed to marry a divorced woman, as used to be the case in the UK with Roman Catholics and the church of England and royalty.
Chinese Names
In Chinese I would write LEE Kwan Yew (Lee-Kwan-Yew not Mr Lee) because Lee Kwan Yew was cross when people called him Mr Lee and wanted to be known Chinese style by all three names. At clubs in Singapore I often get confused because I am given only the personal names.
Chinese names are hard for the English speakers to remember. So the Chinese often say, 'Call me Peter,' giving you an English nickname.
I have lots of Peters.
Should you list 'Peter/ first or last?
When you get an email, the name used in the email is often a clue.
Forename/first name and Surname - occasionally family name.
Indian Names
I have lots of Sivas. What do you do? I have lots of Johns, nicknames 'John'.
In Singapore, especially by Indians, which I list in my contacts list, but then get sent emails or agendas listing the family name or the whole name and don't know who is who.
Spanish Names
In Spanish the middle name is often the mother's family name. The rules may differ in Spain and Portugal and Brazil and other South American countries and have changed over time so if filling in official documents, check the latest requirments.
When looking at the names of famous personalities, politicans and authors, check the conventions and laws of their era.
Also enquire about name meanings and orders when dealing with friends and business associates and family. I spent an entire evening chatting to a dinner party guest who was my husband's colleague about her married name, her husband's name, her parents' names, her chosen name when divorced, the names for her children from different marriages or her first marriage and her planned second marriage. I wss fascinated. At the time it was all clear, at the end of three hours.
But her name on her birth certificate would be listed differently to her name on her marriage certificate. As for her children, and grandchildren ... And if and when new legislation was passed ... Oh, deary me!
If in doubt, ask. When you get the answer, you might still be in doubt.
LISTING DECISIONS
In your contacts list, decide on a system and stick to it. For a club, you might have a column for family name, a column for first name, a column for full name (as on passport) and nickname or pronunciation of first name. For business contacts, you might have aka (abbreviation for also known as). I put in quotation marks a name which does not appear in the official name, or a nickname, such as Shorty.
When you get an email, the name used in the email is often a clue.
About The Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, organizer and speaker.
Toastmasters International Find a Club
https://www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club
https://books.google.com.sg/books?id=upSEBwAAQBAJ&pg=PA21&lpg=PA21&dq=quick+quotations
lulu.com/shop/angela-lansbury/who-said-what-when/paperback/product-21713991
learncool.sg
Braddell Heights Advanced speakers club meets every Wednesday, currently on line.
Future Meetings include
Wednesday may 13th, lucky for us, as we have Thomas Chen running a workshop on Networking.
Contact President Angela Lansbury or VPE Faith. Then login to learncool.sg and wait to be admitted by the host.
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