sign in sign up
<<
Home , Chinese name

Vol. 1, No. 2, May 2021 e-ISSN 2747-2957

A PRAGMATIC STUDY OF CHINESE NAMING SYSTEM IN : FACTS, INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL INFLUENCES

Gregorius Subanti [email protected] Politeknik Tonggak Equator

Abstract

Chinese ethnics are spread across the world. Indonesia is one of many countries with a number of Chinese inhabitants throughout generations. Chinese-Indonesian are those who also apply the Chinese naming system following their ancestors. The naming system is not only unique in identifying the tribal identity but it may also tell many aspects in it. The Chinese naming system is also used to identify gender, a certain tribal group, generation and hope. Despite the stable system, external and internal influences have affected the consistency of the commitment to obey the standardized pattern. The influences to mention are Western culture, religion, politics and practicality which are triggered by modernity, government and education. This study is to see the current of Chinese naming system in general practice and the reasons why the naming system is slowly abandoned. This study shows that still have the Chinese even are not used in legal papers. They still hold the traditions and belief despite the influence of politic, education, religions and modernity. The using of Indonesian and Western names instead of Chinese names are gestures of modernity, obedience to Indonesian identity, religion, cultural assimilation and practicality.

Keywords: Chinese, Naming System, Culture, Pragmatic, Influences

Introduction but as a general system, it serves a guideline Every nation in the world has its own for people. cultural significance starting from the way Western and Eastern countries may they live, believe and standard of have their own system in naming a person. interaction, to some. Every person in They follow the pattern generated by elders a society has its own identity called names. and government system. Arabians, for Names in all societies represent the culture example, have what the call ism, kunya, itself. Societies have their own system of nasab, laqab and nisba which do not naming which represent their communal conform the Western naming system of first identity. name, middle and name.1 People of The system of naming in every nation Arabic origins use the five elements is unique as it holds the naming habit, constantly though it may be different in procedure and that should be obeyed applying the components. In general, the by . The naming system, for five elements are used as the identity. advanced countries, is a kind of legalized A different mindset showed in and stable system to be followed by its Western . In contrast, a discussion of citizens though it may vary in tiny variation abolishing of the sole patriarchal

1 Beth Notzon and Gayle Nesom, “The Arabic Naming System.” 28.1 (Feb. 2005): 20 25

Subanti, G.: Studies and Applied Linguistics Journal 1(2): 25-33 has been going starting from 2000s. The how dynasties and ’ thoughts equality of men and women has been affect the system. As the system not only considered in the naming system that not relates to identity matter but also touches only a father surname is used, but also both political and etiquette of Chinese people in or either one. Hence, children can use either the world. To be more contextual, the patriarchal or matriarchal system by discussion also relates the issue on Chinese discussion among parents.2 The option of Indonesian especially West Kalimantan using either father or mother’s surname and Chinese as the writer experiences and lives both has been seen as the effort to give with. equality and fairness to abolish the sexist system which is seen to take side on the Discussion patriarchal system. Cultural system cannot be separated In African tribal groups, they also from the people living in the certain span of have unique naming system. Some major time. There are rulers who manage, tribes in Nigeria and Somali, for example, administer and implicate policies for the use compound names, abbreviation, or ruled people to follow. Chinese naming reflect the circumstance when the child system is influenced by authorities during born and some unique ways such as using the time. This section will show the the local communities.3 Somalian children, historical facts of naming system from for example, may not have their family Chinese dynasties and the consequence names but possessing three personal names now. instead. As Chinese communities spread Chinese naming system, the topic of across the world, the naming system is also this paper, may be among the oldest system adopted and practiced by many Chinese in applied. Chinese people spread across the different continents, including Indonesia as continents elsewhere become the ones who part of Asia. The journey of the consistency use the stable naming system. Personal of the practice will be over looked despite names are used by those with Chinese the internal and external factors influencing backgrounds from mainland , Hong the process of naming implementation. Kong, , , and the Chinese diaspora overseas. Due to China's historical Chinese Naming System: Dynasties and dominance of East Asian culture, many The Era names used in Korea and Vietnam are In Chinese society names classify and adaptations of Chinese names, or have individuate, they have transformative historical roots in Chinese, with appropriate powers, and they are an important form of adaptation to accommodate linguistic self-expression. Some names are private, differences. Further, this paper will touch some are chosen for their public effect.4 based the discussion. Chinese people usually have three This part will be discussing the parts of name consisting of one surname historical facts of the Chinese naming and two given names. We are familiar with system including the evolution and Sung Yat Sen, Mao Ze Dong and the typical changes. A small view will be shown in three syllabic system. The very first syllabic

2 Valerie Feschet, “The Surname in Western Europe: 3 The General Secretariat of United Kingdom. A Liberty, Equality and Paternity in Legal Systems in Guide to Names and Naming Practices. (Mar. 2016): the Twenty-First Century.” L’Homme. Z.F.G., 20.1 5-9. (2009): 64-5. 4 Rubie S. Watson. “The Named and the Nameless: Gender and Person in Chinese Society.” American Ethnologist, 13.4 (Nov. 1986): 619. 26

Subanti, G.: English Language Studies and Applied Linguistics Journal 1(2): 25-33 name is the family name (Xiang) and the to differentiate themselves with others Ji two latest will be called the given names (their previous Xing). Hence, even a family i.e., middle and last. The very end is called member with the sane , for nick name or the daily name people address example Loze, could have names of Ji Loze the person. and Zheng Loze. This kind of practices was Chinese people, especially the high changeable of families dropping Ji by ranked figures can have more than one or obtaining Zheng or vice versa. It was also two names including the courtesy names. It normal that some descendants might also was prior to 20th century. The courtesy or have changed their Shi names to reflect new other names are used among families and circumstances, such as migration or relatives. In an academic field, Chinese acquisition of a prominent by one of people may also have their names their own. used among scholars. It was no wonder that Confusion emerged then in the a person may possess more than 10 uncontrolled naming system. History different as many as required. showed that there were commoners without Compiled from different resources Xing names but who took on Shi names that and articles5 In the era of between 5,000- identified where they lived, what they did 6,000 years ago, the naming system started for a living and so on. The system became with the matrilineal system. It is proper to unclear and was hard to identify the states say that the very first Chinese family names of people. began with a matrilineal society in which In 221BC, in the era of Qin Dynasty, many of these earliest clan names (known the naming system was seriously as Xing/Siang) contain the ideograph for administered. The life aspects in China “woman” such as Ji, Ying, , Jiang and were administered better including the so on. During the time people knew more naming system. The administration was their mother identity than the father. The also centralized and standardized. The word Xing is made up of two ideographs concept of Xing and Shi was stabilized and that read “born of a woman”, and a person’s merged into a family name or surname Xing name placed them within a kinship system. Confusion was solved. group that forbade marriage between its The effort to manage the system members. As life became more complex, better was followed by (206- the patrilineal system exists with another 220BC) following the initial Qin era. The kinship marker called Shi as recorded in the naming role got more and more stable. . The Shi name was People followed the pattern of Family name essentially a subset of the Xing name, and plus the given name norm. Nevertheless, individuals might have taken one because throughout the imperial period, many they desired greater differentiation among people, especially members of the elite, themselves. took on or were referred to by aliases in During the war era, it was usual for addition to their name, but this practice was warlord families to expand and then use the dropped in the early 20th century. conquered land to name themselves. The Chinese people’s names, the Hans numbers of families with the same Xing usually choose two words or one word as tried to different themselves using the new their given names except their . family name. They usually use the state Before the period of the Three Kingdoms name, for example, Zheng, to state their Shi (220 - 280 AD), the given name was usually

5 Wee Kek Koon, “The complex origins of Chinese names demystified”. South Chine Morning Post. (21 Nov. 2016). 27

Subanti, G.: English Language Studies and Applied Linguistics Journal 1(2): 25-33 one word, and it became two words from is considered disrespectful. Hence, using the (265 - 420 AD) to modern the given name connoted the speaker's times.6 Though in the practice, we still authority and superior position to the encounter names only consisting of two addressee. Peers and younger relatives were syllables such as , Lin and striped from speaking it. Relating to this, Na instead of Zie Yee, Lim Sioe many historical Chinese figures— Liong and so on. particularly emperors—used a half-dozen or more different names in different Taboos in Chinese Naming contexts and for different speakers. Names Neither are linguistic taboos arbitrary similar to emperors were forced to as these facts relate to culture, beliefs, dismantle them. in Chinese families, it is religions and social control.7 The naming quite abnormal to find a grandson’s name system is part of linguistic phenomena. similar to his grandpa. Chinese families Names are considered hopes and prayers also avoid, for example, name their son Sun from parents to their children. Chinese Yat Sen or Shi Huang Tie resembling the people in naming their children usually famous ancient figure. follow rules, including what they should Using names sound bad wishes are avoid in respecting the system. Since also avoided even the meaning is good. ancient times, the Chinese people have Chinese people are known to avoid any attached great importance to the name. symbols and sounds related to bad wishes Under the influence of “Rectification of or bad luck. For example, the name Sung Names” of Confucius, people take it very Xie Xie will be avoided as the sound sacred and even mystical to name their resembles the meaning “deliver the dead”. descendants. This was totally practiced in Lucks are identical to written and spoken Chinese Zhou Dynas (1046 BC- 256 BC) meanings. that names had huge impacts on the person Gender is also related to the naming using it. Good names related to reputable rule to differentiate the user’s sex. Women figures might get a better treatment. Those are always related to softness, calmness and who owned bad names would get worse beauty. The selection of flowers and natural receptions. It was common that people beauties becomes the favorite names such rooted one’s reputation from his ancestors as Fa/Flowers, Jun/Cloud, Fung/Phoenix would result in either good or bad and so on. Men are identical to strength and treatments. Naming was then included in bravery. Words such as mountain/san, the etiquette to shape a system, not only a dragon/liong, warrior/hiong and others mere identity of a person. This would much symbolizing “strong” are commonly used. match the notion of Ries and Trout in Names also identify gender and seeing names as brands, refusing normativity. It is rare or even zero Shakespeare’s perpetual “what is in a possibility to name girls liong “dragon” or name”.8 san “mountain”. One of famous Confucius’ teaching is Chinese names also avoid in respecting ancestors. That is why in attaching two contradictory things. It is not Chinese naming system using the same usual to find a person by name Lie San Hoi given names similar to ancestors or elders meaning Mount and Ocean of Lie as the two

6 Chinese Name.”Your Chinese Astrology”. 7 Muriel Saville-Troike, The Ethnography of Retrieved from Communication. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing https://www.yourchineseastrology.com/chinese- (2003): 210 name/ 8 Al Ries and Jack Trout, Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind. McGraw-Hill Education (2001) 28

Subanti, G.: English Language Studies and Applied Linguistics Journal 1(2): 25-33 components are far to each other. The same perpetuate the surname. Hence, the son’s thing also refers to the name of natural children are called the inside clan. They elements such fire/Fo and water/sui in the will use the surname. Daughters will follow same arrangement. Even, during Dynasty their husband’s surname and are considered Qing, mentioning moon and sun in a the outer clan. This practice is still followed sentence was considered dangerous.9 The to date. faults in mentioning and naming will be Surnames are important to anticipate resulting bad lucks, sickness and unhappy the taboo in the same surname marriage. In life. Chinese tradition, a couple with the same In the practice Chinese families will surnames is not allowed to marry each other look information in details of names and especially from the patrilineal side. This is meaning and consult with elders of Chinese considered incest as marrying the same line priests. They also use calendars to avoid of kinship. It is common that the bad lucks. Chine people also relate their prospective wife or husband will be traced names to Chinese horoscope to find the best and then confirmed by his or her fitted names. Those can change their names Xing/Siang or clan. if later on they find the names creating bad Surname is also important in tracking lucks and sickness without changing the the family tree especially for men side. legal documents. They only change nick Chinese people with three component names. Another practice is about never names will connect themselves with the writing Chinese names in red ink.10 clan and generation. For example, a clan should have the sequence of the middle Names: Kindship and Family Tree name to state the generation level. Sons and Names become not only the very male cousins born in the same generation identity of a person, this naming system is will use the consistent then used to track the generation and different from their father’s level. So, if the family-ship. From the surname, people can father’s name is Sung Sie Liong, the uncles track the province of one’s originality. should have the same Sung and Sie as the From the last two , people first and second component with the can track the number of generation different last name. If the sons are names sequence. Sing Wan Chung, the cousins (nephews) Chinese names traditionally obey the may obtain the same pattern of Sung Wan standardized system built for the past. … This pattern will tell the generation. Many modern Chinese families still follow Later on, the next generation will use the the path. Elders, foundations and temples fixed pattern, for example, Sung Kwet and are usually the places people can consult the same new-borns follow. To avoid the with in finding the proper names based on false naming, parents should consult with the surnames. Chinese people try to avoid elders or the surname temple or foundation. faults and wrong tracks in naming their Surname and sounding following new-borns. certain dialect can also confirm from which Using of family name is the most part of region and tribes the family come important as it keeps the continuity of the from. The pronunciation of names and generations. The patrilineal system is used. spoken pattern will identify the tribe of the In this case, sons are considered those who people. For example, Sung surname usually

9 Vivian Rice. During China's history, has there ever 10 Ming, Yi. “A Chinese Taboo: Never Write Other been any Chinese character which use has been People’s Names Using Red Ink.” Vision Time, (Ju. forbidden and/or considered taboo? Quora (15 Sep. 2016). 2015). 29

Subanti, G.: English Language Studies and Applied Linguistics Journal 1(2): 25-33

Hakka and Tong related to Tiochiu. In this spelled Nyoo. Spelling quite transformed case, it is quite abnormal to find Tong in the itself. Sung family names but Chung to state the Educational system was not only the same meaning of “middle”. It is clear that scapegoat that triggered the spelling in- the name should be Sung Ban Chung rather certainty, the political direction and power than Sung Ban Tong. also affected people in the cultural expression including naming system. Chinese Names in Practice in Indonesia: Histories, including modern history, show Internal and External Factors that people tend to follow the political There are three important eras in tendency in the era.12 The most dramatic Indonesia affecting the use of Chinese influence was during Suharto’s time. naming system. In the Colonial era to 1965, President’s 127/U/Kep/12/1966 which the spelling convention of way mandated that ethnic Chinese living in was applied as they became the majority of Indonesia adopt Indonesian-sounding Chinese immigrants (Dutch East Indies), or names instead of the standard three-word or often called Peranakan China.11 The two-word Chinese names. Adjustment was administrators used the closest Dutch done to follow the mandate. Many Chinese pronunciation and spelling of Hokkien names were camouflaged into Indonesian words to record the names. The surnames, sounding names. Names such as Suwanto to for example, are written like Liem (Dutch), accommodate the surname Sung, Halim to Oei or Oey, Go, Tjan (Dutch), Lie, Liong hide Lim and so on. Still some important (Dutch) and to name some, to follow the figures use the Chinese names such as Kwik Dutch system favoring Hokkien. The Kian Gie, Tan Djoe Hok and Lim Swie spelling convention continuedly used King. through the Japanese occupation (1942– The reluctance of tailoring names into 1945) well into Indonesian independence Indonesian sound and flavor not only (1945) and sovereignty acknowledgment connects to the firmness to keep the by the Dutch government (1949). Since the Chinese identity and culture, but also to the independent Indonesian government procedure and financial ability of poor inherited the Dutch legal system, it also Chinese to follow the legal step of obtaining survived until 1965 in the Sukarno era as the new legal . They had history records. to experience a long and corrupt procedure Things adjusted following dynamics. in adopting the new names. Thus, in short, Some minor changes happened. First was Chinese-Indonesians’ participation in under the Ejaan Suwandi introduced in society is characterized by both liminality 1947, and again under the Ejaan Yang and ambivalence, as their economic Disempurnakan, literally "Perfected potency is both admired and resented, and Spelling", adopted in 1972. Under the their presence is simultaneously praised and Suwandi system of spelling, "oe", discriminated against. Significantly, for a influenced by Dutch, became "u", heterogeneous population whose cultural influenced by English; for example, Loe practices and histories of settlement in was spelled as Lu. Since 1972, Dutch- Indonesia have varied greatly over time and "j" became "y", meaning Njoo is now in space, this structural liminality has

11 Li Minghuan. “From 'Sons of the Yellow 12 Elena Obukhova, Ezra W. Zuckerman and Jiayin Emperor' to 'Children of Indonesian Soil7: Studying Zhang. “When Politics Froze Fashion: The Effect of Peranakan Chinese based on the Batavia Kong Koan the Cultural Revolution on Naming in Beijing.” Archives.” Journal of Southeast Asian Studies, 34.2 American Journal of Sociology, 120. 2(Sep. 2014): (Jun. 2000): 215. 559. 30

Subanti, G.: English Language Studies and Applied Linguistics Journal 1(2): 25-33 induced multiple experiences of other than Chinese names. Chinese prefer “belonging-in-alienation,” which is perhaps Western rather than Indonesian common the only commonality shared by all names. In the 21th century, new born Chinese-Indonesians.13 generation is given more sophisticated The modern Indonesian after “brands” such as Michael, David, Evan and Suharto’s fall generates more conducive the likes. Seldom do we encounter atmosphere. Chinese traditions and cultures Gunawan, Budiman and other Indonesian are well accommodated. The effort to traditional names. This may firmly indicate preserve the traditional and original names that parents now hold the believe that grows. Some regions such as Bangka, names are related to prestige, outstanding, Medan and Singkawang are even popular popularity and uniqueness as well.1415 with their preserved Chinese festivals. Practicality could be the factor that Political factor influences a lot in the distances Chinese families to use tribal changing the Chinese naming system. names. Choosing Chinese name is not an Chinese families and the generation after easy matter like choosing Indonesian or Suharto’s regime use more Indonesian and Western ones. Parents have to follow the Western names. Newborns after 1970s are rule and pattern. They cannot name their unusual in using Chinese names in their children as they want to without legal documents, mostly using Indonesian considering the surname, middle name, or Western names but still keep their meaning, sound and many important Chinese names for daily and limited aspects. Many even do not know the exact community. Surname and middle names are middle name to use. still used to track the kinship and used in Assimilation should be seen as the relations to Chinese familial and communal result of dismantling the Chinese names. events. Many Chinese people in rural West Education, religion and modernity are Kalimantan use Dayaknese names rather also considered factors that change the than Chinese names even they still speak trend. Students in schools are comfortable Chinese and fluent Dayaknese. Using the using the names showing their Indonesian Dayaknese names could be seen as merging identity. Doctors and important figures themselves into the local community. They sometimes involve in giving the names. learn to speak Dayakanese and vice versa. Names are also used to show religious The marital relation also creates the speed identities such as Christian or Muslim in the assimilation. names. Modernity also affects parents in The rise of nationality also drives choosing children’s names. It is normal to Chinese communities into more inclusive. find Indonesians using Latin names such as National patrons and icons are the driving Diego Maradona, Gaudio Sergio and Frans factors to generate such feeling of Peter. belonging. Some patriotic jargons trigger Besides the three factors previously the rising of national spirit among Chinese mentioned, prestige should also be families. Education and assimilation considered as a trigger factor in adopting support the spirit of nationality.

13 Tsai Yen-ling. “Spaces of Exclusion, Walls of https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/ Intimacy: Rethinking “Chinese Exclusivity” in 11/29/baby-names-top-2012/1730637. Indonesia”. Program Publications at 15 Mitra Tarigan, “Mengapa Orang Tua Zaman Now Cornell University, 92 (Oct. 2011), pp. 128. Senang Memberi Nama Unik Untuk Anak”? Tabloid 14 Sharon, Jayson. “Parents looking for 'cool factor' Bintang (5 Fep. 2019). Retrieved from in baby names”. USA Today. (29 Nov. 2012). https://gaya.tempo.co/read/1172495/mengapa- Retrieved from orang-tua-zaman-now-senang-memberi-nama-unik- untuk-anak/full&view=ok 31

Subanti, G.: English Language Studies and Applied Linguistics Journal 1(2): 25-33

Conclusion attached treasure unique to its tribes and Naming system in the world is nationalities. Seeing this significant considered part of cultural identity and pragmatic tradition, Chinese may consider pride of nations and people. The naming Shakespeare’s “what is in a name” a system evolves following the regimes and practical joke. rulers of the time. People usually follow and obey the naming policy. Some follow References the system fully and quite a few take the Chinese Name. “Your Chinese Astrology”. middle and adaptation. Chinese naming https://www.Yourchinese system is among the oldest system in the astrology. com/chinese-name. world. Retrived from https://www. Your Chinese people in the worlds still chineseastrology. com/chinese- understand and follow the naming system, name. including Indonesia. They follow the standardized of the surname and given Feschet, Valerie. “The Surname in Western name(s) system. The fixed pattern is used to Europe: Liberty, Equality and identify gender, tribe, generation and obey Paternity in Legal Systems in the the wisdom behind it, including Twenty-First Century.” L’Homme. Confucius’s teaching. Chinese follow the Z.F.G., 20.1 (2009), pp. 64-5. normativity in giving suitable names and avoid taboo. Jayson, Sharon. “Parents looking for 'cool Indonesian Chinese in practicing the factor' in baby names”. USA Today. naming system is influenced by internal and (29 Nov. 2012). Retrieved from external factors that drive them to dismantle https://www.usatoday.com/story/ the system. Some holding the Chinese news/nation/ 2012/11/29/baby- names understand that tribal and blood names-top-2012/1730637. identity are important in tracking generation, obeying tradition and a way to Li, Minghuan. “From 'Sons of the Yellow avoid the same-surname marriage. The Emperor' to 'Children of Indonesian families dismantling the Chinese names are Soil7: Studying Peranakan Chinese influenced by education, religion, based on the Batavia Kong Koan modernity, assimilation, nationality and Archives.” Journal of Southeast practicality. Asian Studies, 34.2 (Jun. 2003), pp. Though political intervention once 215-30. influenced the use of Chinese names, Ming, Yi. “A Chinese Taboo: Never Write Chinese-Indonesian families (at least in Other People’s Names Using Red West Kalimantan) still understand the Ink.” Vision Time, (Jun. 2016). pattern in using the naming system. They still have knowledge and reference in Notzon, Beth & Gayle Nesom. “The Arabic practicing the system. The open politic of Naming System.” 28.1 (Feb. 2005), Indonesian government nowadays also p. 20. support Chinese communities to celebrate the identity as a part of Indonesian cultural Obukhova, Elena, Ezra W. Zuckerman and richness. Jiayin Zhang. “When Politics Froze People in the world, including Fashion: The Effect of the Cultural Chinese-Indonesians, should keep their Revolution on Naming in Beijing.” cultural identity. There is traditional American Journal of Sociology, wisdom behind the system. Naming system Vol. 120, No. 2 (Sep. 2014), pp. is part of linguistic evidence, pragmatic 555-583 richness of every culture to express the

32

Subanti, G.: English Language Studies and Applied Linguistics Journal 1(2): 25-33

Rice, Vivian. During China's history, has there ever been any Chinese character which use has been forbidden and/or considered taboo? Quora (15 Sep. 2015).

Ries, Al & Jack Trout. Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind. McGraw-Hill Education, 2001

Saville-Troike, Muriel. The Ethnography of Communication. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing. 2003.

Tarigan, Mitra. “Mengapa Orang Tua Zaman Now Senang Memberi Nama Unik Untuk Anak”? Tabloid Bintang (5 Fep. 2019). Retrieved from https://gaya.tempo.co/read/117249 5/mengapa-orang-tua-zaman-now- senang-memberi-nama-unik-untuk- anak/full&view=ok

Tsai Yen-ling. “Spaces of Exclusion, Walls of Intimacy: Rethinking “Chinese Exclusivity” in Indonesia”. Southeast Asia Program Publications at Cornell University, 92 (Oct. 2011), pp. 125-155.

The General Secretariat of United Kingdom. A Guide to Names and Naming Practices. (Mar. 2016), p. 5-9.

Verschueren, Jef. Understanding Pragmatics. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 1999.

Watson, Rubie S. “The Named and the Nameless: Gender and Person in Chinese Society.” American Ethnologist, vol. 13, no. 4 (Nov. 1986), pp. 619-631.

Wee Kek Koon, “The complex origins of Chinese names demystified”. South Chinese Morning Post. (21 Nov. 2016).

33