my name is weird for other students....what should I do?

Question

I'm a Chinese student enrolled in a U.S college.My name is pretty complicated and difficult for non-chinese speakers.But I am often asked what my name is...

and my name is even more complicated and longer than many other chinese people.

Answer 1

Give them your real name. The world is a shrinking place, and if you have to learn American names, they can learn yours.

I am of mostly Asian descent myself, and my university had students from all over the world. It's foolish for people to expect you to change your name to make it easier for them.

Answer 2

Most Chinese students adopt an English name or nickname. Fox would do fine.

Answer 3

Many Chinese students have a nickname that is easier for English speakers to pronounce. I don't think you should have to change your name if you don't want to, though. You could perhaps find a way to help them to remember. For example, you could say something like, "My name is Xing. It rhymes with 'sing' and it means 'green' in Chinese." If you give them some other things they can associate with your name, like rhyming words, that can help them remember better. Also, you can write it down for people -- I find it easier to remember things when I see them along with hearing them.

Answer 4

The best way would be first tell them your real name, but suggest a nickname as well...
My name is Seraphima, but the short name is Sima, in Russian, so that makes it easier.
Your nickname should be "cool" but close to your real name.
I had a little Chinese friend, named Shou I Chi, so i just called him Chi-Chi, and he loved it!
Use your own fantasy, or ask for advice .

Answer 5

I know many chinese students who have an english equivilent to their name...you can figure that out,

or u can just give yourself an "english name"...or, u can just continue telling people ur real name if u dnt want to change it...but try to say it slowly for those who cnt rlly pronounce it...up to u


good luck

Answer 6

Many people with "different" names adopt more American sounding ones. If that is okay with you then by all means. If you are uncomfortable with going by a different name just be patient and keep repeating your name till people get it or they pin a nick name that is easy for them to remember and say on you.

Answer 7

My name is Russian and I often come to this problem as well. Non-Russian speakers can't pronounce it as much as they try.

I just say...."Hi my name is .........., but you can call me ...!"

Most people should find it a lot easier even if your nickname and actual name sound nothing alike.
You could even use a combination of your first and second name, for example my friend is named Chi and his last name is Lee so we just call him Chili.

Answer 8

I had a Chinese guy in my class. He said his name was hard to pronounce for English speakers. So he told us to call him, "Ricky." Easy and simple.

Answer 9

Come up witha nickname that is easy for everyone to pronounce. I don't think anyone will feel weird about that.

Answer 10

get a nickname, does your name mean anything you could use? someone suggested Fox and that would be good.