Information from our agency, Children's Hope International:
NAMES IN CHINA :
Western names and Chinese names are written in reverse order of each other. Namely (pun intended), Chinese names begin with the surname first. This flows out of the thought that being part of a group and showing respect to the family is most important; individual identity is less important. One of the two given names is typically "generation name". The generation name was usually, though not always, shared by all male or all female siblings of the same generation. The other was a personal name. For example, in the Zhang family, two brothers share the given name, Yi. Each also has a unique given name:
Zhang Yi Wah
Zhang Yi Rong
Two sisters will also share a common given name, Yu, which differs from the common name shared by their brothers.
Zhang Yu Ku
Zhang Yu Huan
Chinese given names can consist of any characters and have almost any meaning. Children are rarely named after someone else as it is considered taboo. A few naming traditions apply to Chinese given names. For example, girls will often be given names which reflect "feminine" characteristics, such as gentleness, or be named after plants or flowers. Chinese girls sometimes have double names, like Xiu-xiu, Xiao-xiao. This may also be the case for males, but less frequently. Siblings' names are often related. One child may be named "river" while his sister may be named "water."
Unlike in Western culture, Chinese do not often refer to each other by their given names. Typically kinship names are used, such as big sister, third uncle, grandmother, etc.
Another aspect about names in China is that Chinese women do not take the surname of their husband’, but keep their maiden names throughout their lives. Usually, children take the surnames of their fathers. Sometimes when there is more than one child, the first child takes the father’s name and the second child takes the mothers name. Names of teachers are accorded a high level of respect. For example, teachers and professors are not called Miss Li or Mr. Zhoa, they are called Teacher Li and Teacher Zhoa (pinyin: Bai Lishi and Zhoa Laoshi).
In Chinese culture, it is common to add family terms to people’s personal names as a way to show connection and friendship. For example, Ronald McDonald is often called “Uncle McDonald” in China. Or, using one may use family phrases in certain situations. Young people may refer to senior citizens as “Ye Ye” (grandfather) or “Nai Nai” (grandmother) as a sign of respect. Similarly it is common to refer to nannies and female household help as “Ayi,” the traditional term for “Auntie”. Or, young people such as college age may refer to their classmates as sisters and brothers or cousins, as an indication of closeness. So, it can be confusing to actually determine who is related to whom.
There are only about 2000 surnames in use in China today, and the most common 100 surnames are used by almost 25% of the population. So, it tends to be difficult to identify an individual person, given the population of the country is approximately 1.3 billion people. If you meet someone that you wish to keep in contact with, it is important to exchange contact information, as it will be extremely difficult or impossible to track that person down with just their name.Sources: “China A to Z” by May-lee Chai and Winberg Chai; Vancouver Public Library; wikiname.com
ADOPTION TRAVEL TIPS UPDATE FROM WENINCHINA.COM:
weninchina.com helps adoption agencies provide families preparing to journey to China "fill in the gaps" that traditional guidebooks don't cover. We are always adding interesting, informative features geared to families waiting for travel dates, those "on the road", and those who have returned wanting to learn more about their child's birth country.
Last month we posted four very popular articles:
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* Water - an explanation what the problems are with the water supply, what travelers can and cannot do with tap water, how to use the kettles in hotel rooms, and where to find good, inexpensive bottled water for daily use
* Dim Sum - an historical overview of this meal, the endless variety it offers, and how to enjoy the dining experience in China and back home
* Dragon Boat Festival - reviewing the stories and activities around this traditional early-summer holiday
Since then we have added two additional, high-interest articles (bringing our total to 80!):
* Laundry - packing is always a challenge for long trips, especially when taking kids. Traveling lightly means having to clean clothes on the road - we show the three main options for families in China, give cost guidelines, and list tips for best results when washing clothing in one's hotel room* Mid-Autumn Festival - with the full moon in September comes this end-of-summer celebration. North American families can easily integrate the traditions of this holiday - we explain how, and we tell the complicated 4,000+ year-old tale behind it. Also, we show what mooncakes are, the role they play, and where to get them.
