Cho
osing an English name is a common practice for individuals who speak languages other than English. It is especially popular in countries like China, South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Most individuals choose an English name based on the sound of their native name, while others choose names based on their meaning or a famous person they admire. For instance, Chinese parents often name their children based on the meaning of the characters used. However, when it comes to selecting an English name, they often opt for a name that sounds similar to their Chinese name. For example, if a Chinese name is "Xiao Ming," the person might choose the English name "Sean" since the "sh" sound is similar to "x." Similarly, Koreans often choose English names that sound like their Korean name or have a similar meaning. For instance, a Korean name "Ji-hyun" could be expressed as an English name "Jenny," which has a similar sound. Or, they could choose an English name based on its meaning, such as "Grace" or "Hope." Japanese individuals may select an English name based on a famous person they admire, a place they want to visit, or a word they like the sound of. For example, a person might choose the name "Sakura" after the famous cherry blossom tree or "Kai" after the ocean. In Vietnam, people might choose an English name based on its meaning or for practical reasons like pronunciation. For example, the Vietnamese name "Phuong" could be expressed as "Florence" since it describes the same thing – flowers. Overall, choosing an English name can be a fun and exciting experience for individuals who speak languages other than English. It allows them to engage more effectively with English-speaking people and enriches their cultural experiences.