Many people would give themselves an English name. These days, for the sake of an individual flair, they would crave for something unique. So they rack their brains to come up with a special English name, or give themselves an exotic name in some other language, or even make up their own English names.

Some people just won't accept another person's special English name, and would even describe it as "weird". But it's fine with me as long as the name is not too difficult to pronounce or remember, or too embarrassing for others to say it.

My English given name is neither made up by myself nor is it commonplace. Sometimes I would think it gives me a certain edge because, in my line of work, I need to get acquainted with strangers every now and then. My English name would serve as an interesting ice-breaker and would sometimes make it easier for others to remember me (not in a bad way, of course).

But there is a downside to having a special English name because some people just won't own up to their mistake when they mispronounce a name. For example, I would be offended if I have to keep repeating my name to someone only to hear him or her mispronounce it again and again. By the same token, I would try and ascertain the correct way to pronounce a name before actually saying it. It's because pronouncing the other person's English name correctly is a basic form of respect and good manners.

By Samia Lo

* Translation from Chinese article.