Chinese Whispers

What’s in a name? Peter Hessler on what English names can reveal about China

26 snips
Dec 23, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Peter Hessler, an award-winning journalist and author known for his insightful explorations of China, delves into the quirks of English names chosen by Chinese individuals. He explores how these names reflect aspirations and historical ties, revealing deep cultural insights. With humor and anecdotes, they touch on the transformative journey of a young farm boy and the impact of globalization on identity. The talk includes fascinating stories about the influence of basketball culture on naming trends, bridging East and West in modern Chinese society.
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ANECDOTE

Unique Names in Fuling

  • Peter Hessler's students in Fuling chose unique English names, reflecting limited Western contact.
  • Examples include names like Armstrong, Helen, Marx, Yellow, House, and Daisy.
ANECDOTE

Cigarette Brand Names

  • A Peace Corps colleague of Hessler's encountered a class named after cigarette brands.
  • Names like Winston, Marlboro, and Dunhill were given by a seemingly mischievous volunteer.
INSIGHT

Reasons for English Names

  • Chinese adoption of English names stemmed from linguistic incompatibility and limited Western exposure.
  • Direct transliterations of names often sounded awkward or nonsensical.
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