Job Discussion Forums

[gerard]

Angry and Enigma are not bad either. I know this topic cane up on the China side and the feeling was that "English names" must correspond to real Western names. (At least thats what the GURU said HAHA!) So Matthew Mark Luke and John and Mary are OK but but Osama or Fidel are bad. (I have a Judas in my class..) Anyway I think both points are bunk. After pensive reflection (OK It crossed my mind over a smoke) I must disagree vehemently. First of all it is a NICKNAME after all. If a student wants to calll herself Enigma and learns something by it fine. And the food groups are OK. What is wrong with a student named Cola. At least it is easy to remember.

The other issue is non PC names like Stalin (I have one) or Hitler (I dont) This is not a big deal to me. If a student wants to call themself "chain smoking" who cares---especially if they learn some English --any English from it. I informed "Stalin" that this is not really a good name but if he likes it - fine. Should we discriminate against the good Stalin's.??? As for food that is OK also. OH is this just Asian this thing about English names. When I studied Spanish I was Pedro although it didnt help too much. Should ave picked CHE or Sandinista or something cooler...Anyway have a nice day...

[dmb]

What were you smoking when you wrote this?


Can I have some?

[gerard]

[Wolf]

If the students know that the names that they choose are only semi-cute nicknames, then all is well and good. I myself have had a Shakespeare (trust me no relation), Whisky, etc. If they never try to use these names in, say, a business meeting, then all is well and good.

However, I am given the distinct impression that at least some of my students are not aware that choosing words at random out of a dictionary is not a good way to find a name that can be used in a serious setting involving people who speak English. So much so that actually next week I'm going to bring a few urls of baby name web sites to class.

This really has nothing to do with, what was it, "judging the value of their rightness orientation" (my New Agese is rusty). After all, my Chinese name is still Wolf. But, if they are to interact with the English speaking world on an academic, business, or professional level; then they should be aware of "our" conventions and yes even our prejudices in this matter. Cultural sensitivity goes both ways.

[Steiner]

There are a lot of Kinki/Kinkys in China. Unless they want to do business in the Adult Entertainment segment of society, I think we owe it to them to advise them on the connotations/appropriateness of the name. None of their Chinese teachers will.

[fat_chris]

To further what Steiner wrote, I was always concerned when I met a Chinese girl with the English name of "Cherry." This has happened on several occasions.