Savanna Hoffman
International students often adopt Western names when studying in Western countries. This is done to avoid the embarrassment or discomfort that may arise when teachers or peers attempt to pronounce more complex names. For instance, a Chinese student may be known to their friends as Apple, a name chosen with the help of an English teacher from their home country. Another common influence on name choice is Western media, such as American literature, television shows or popular films.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for choosing a Western name | To avoid embarrassment or discomfort due to mispronunciation of their names |
| To make it easier for others to pronounce their names | |
| To assimilate into a new culture or environment | |
| To portray a positive and amiable version of themselves | |
| To avoid dealing with racism and xenophobia | |
| Process of choosing a Western name | Choosing a name that sounds similar to their original name |
| Choosing a name that is the direct translation of their original name | |
| Basing it on Western media influences like literature, TV shows, or films | |
| Picking a name that is derived from their legal name |
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What You'll Learn
International students adopt Western names to avoid mispronunciation
International students often adopt Western names to avoid the mispronunciation of their names by their peers and teachers. Many students with names that are more complex than typical English names have experienced embarrassment or discomfort when others attempt to say their names aloud. To avoid this, some international students choose to adopt an English name, which is a common practice. This can be seen as a strategy for identity management, allowing students to project a desired image of themselves to others and reinforce their autonomy to portray a positive and amiable version of themselves.
Students may choose Western names that sound similar to their given names or are direct translations. For example, a Chinese student may be named "Apple" by her teacher because apples are her favourite fruit. Another student chose the name “Gareth” after a famous British soccer player, as it also sounded similar to his Chinese name. Some students may feel sad about having to adopt a Western name to fit in, wishing they could keep their birth name as it is a true form of their identity. However, others are comfortable with having multiple names that they can identify with.
The process of choosing a Western name can be influenced by various factors. Some students may seek help from teachers, like Minwen Wang, who was helped by her teacher back home in choosing the name "Apple." Others may be influenced by Western media, such as American literature, television shows, or popular films. Additionally, some students may choose a name that is derived from their legal name, such as Rosie Sun, a Taiwanese international student whose English name is derived from her legal name and is also what her parents and friends call her.
While adopting a Western name can make things easier for international students in terms of pronunciation and fitting in, it is important to respect the student's choice and not assume that they need to change their name. It is also essential to understand the cultural significance and identity attached to an individual's name and the potential challenges they may face regarding racism and xenophobia while attending school in a foreign country.
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Names inspired by Western media
For international students, taking on an English or Western name is a common practice. This can be due to a variety of reasons, one of which is the influence of Western media, such as American literature, television shows, or popular films.
Western media, which includes news media, print media, and entertainment media, has played a significant role in shaping global culture and influencing audiences worldwide. International students, particularly those from Asian countries, may be drawn to Western names that resonate with their exposure to Western culture through these avenues.
Television and Film
The influence of Western media on name choices can be seen in the example of a student who, inspired by the movie "21 Jump Street," decided to adopt the name "Jeff" upon moving to Canada. This choice was influenced by a famous phrase from the movie, "My name is Jeff." Television shows and films can provide international students with a glimpse of Western culture, and choosing a name from these sources can be a way to connect with that culture.
Pop Culture
Popular culture, as portrayed in Western media, can also inspire name choices. For instance, a student may choose a name inspired by a favourite character in a TV drama. This could be a character they admire or relate to, or simply one that resonates with them culturally.
Sports
Western media coverage of sports can also influence name choices. For example, Gareth Yao, a computer science major, chose his name after a famous British soccer player. The name also sounded similar to his Chinese name, providing a connection to his cultural identity.
Literature
Western literature, including novels, plays, and poetry, has a rich history and can offer a range of name options for international students. Students may choose names from classic or contemporary works that resonate with them, reflecting their interests and values.
The adoption of Western names by international students is a complex issue. While it can facilitate cultural assimilation and ease of communication, it also raises questions of identity preservation and the potential erosion of cultural heritage. Ultimately, the choice of adopting a Western name is a personal decision that considers practicality, cultural sensitivity, and individual expression.
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Similar-sounding names to their mother tongue
For international students, choosing a name that sounds similar to their mother tongue is a common strategy. This choice can be driven by several factors, including a desire to preserve their cultural identity and a connection to their given name. Some students opt for names with similar pronunciations to their original names, such as a Chinese student named Lin choosing the name Lynn. This approach allows them to feel connected to their original name while also adapting to a new cultural context.
In some cases, international students may choose English names that are direct translations of their given names. This practice helps them maintain a sense of self while also ensuring their new name is easily recognisable and pronounceable to their peers. For example, a Chinese student named Xueqian might choose the English name Cathy, as the names have similar sounds. This choice can also be influenced by the desire to avoid potential embarrassment or awkwardness associated with their original name in a different cultural context.
Another factor that influences name choice is the desire to fit in and avoid constant corrections and mispronunciations. International students may feel that adopting a similar-sounding name to their mother tongue helps them navigate social interactions more smoothly and fosters a sense of belonging in their new country. It can be challenging for individuals from different cultural backgrounds to accurately pronounce each other's names, leading to repetitive corrections. By choosing a similar-sounding name, students can reduce this burden on themselves and their peers.
In addition to social factors, academic and professional considerations may also play a role. Some international students believe that having an American-sounding name increases their chances of being recognised and responded to by professors and potential employers. This perception may influence their name choice, leading them to opt for names that sound similar to their mother tongue while also conforming to Western naming conventions.
The process of selecting a similar-sounding name can vary. Some students may consult a dictionary, seeking out words that capture the essence of their original name or have appealing connotations. Others may choose nouns or adjectives as names, such as "Cloud," "Dragon," or "Sunny." This approach allows them to express their individuality while still maintaining a connection to their mother tongue.
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Names chosen by teachers
For international students, adopting a Western name is a common practice. This is often done to make it easier for their teachers and peers to pronounce their names and to help them fit in with their new environment.
Some international students choose names that sound similar to their given names or are direct translations of them. For example, a student named Gareth Yao chose his name after a famous British soccer player, as it also sounded close to his Chinese name. Others may choose names from Western media influences, such as American literature, television shows, or popular films.
In some cases, international students' teachers may play a role in helping them select a Western name. Wang, an international student from Taiwan, explained that her first English teacher helped her choose the name "Apple" because apples are her favorite fruit. Ho-I Cho, another student from Taiwan, chose the name "Amy" at the suggestion of a family friend when she was five.
While some teachers may be respectful of their students' chosen names, others may repeatedly butcher their names or encourage them to adopt Western names. This can be considered a microaggression and a form of cultural superiority in the classroom. It is important for teachers to make an effort to learn their students' names and pronounce them correctly, as this is an act of respect for the students and their parents.
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Names that project a desired image
International students often adopt a Western name when they travel to Western countries for education or to settle permanently. This is usually done to avoid the embarrassment or discomfort that may arise when teachers or peers attempt to pronounce their names.
Some students choose names that sound similar to their given names or are direct translations of their names. For instance, a fourth-year computer science major, Gareth Yao, chose his name after a famous British soccer player, as the name also sounded close to his Chinese name.
If you are an international student looking to choose a name that projects a desired image, here are some options and the images they evoke:
Veronica
A name with a triple threat image: saintly, sensuous, and strong. The name is derived from the Latin form of the Greek name Berenike, which means "she who brings victory". Veronica was also the name of the compassionate woman who wiped Jesus's face on his way to Calvary, and her cloth was miraculously imprinted with his image. She is now the patron saint of photographers.
Eluned
Romantic and mysterious, Eluned was a legendary figure in Welsh legend. She was the handmaiden of the Lady of the Fountain in a Welsh Arthurian romance and possessed a magic ring that made the wearer invisible.
Nika
A well-used diminutive for the Eastern European name Veronika, Nika sounds fresh and cute.
Ronnie
An androgynous name that is rising in popularity for girls, following the trend of boyish nicknames for girls. A short and spunky name, Ronnie fits in with other vintage picks like Frankie and Scottie.
Llewellyn/Llywelyn
A common patriotic first name in Wales, with its distinctive Welsh double 'L's. While the name may sound feminine to some, it is also a rare form of the name influenced by the Latin "Leo", meaning lion.
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Frequently asked questions
Many international students choose a Western name to avoid the embarrassment or discomfort that may arise when teachers or peers attempt and fail to pronounce their names correctly.
No, some international students keep their birth names.
One strategy is to choose a name that sounds similar to their original name or is a direct translation of it. Another is to take inspiration from Western media, such as literature, television, or film.
No, their Western names often do not appear on official documents. However, they may use them as their preferred names when interacting with friends and family.
No, international students may choose an American name, for example.
