Monday was election day in Canada, and quite a few of the politicians who campaigned for office did so in multiple languages. This often includes rendering a name in Chinese characters for signs and literature. Journalist and Chinese translator Niko Bell gives us a deep dive into the complexities of a non-Chinese candidate selecting a Chinese name. Some try to make it sound like the candidate's name when spoken, some go with the meaning of the characters, and some try to combine the two methods. Some are more authentic than others, and some don't put much thought into it at all. Bell ranked thirteen such names and gives his reasons. For example:
5. Jody Wilson-Raybould (Ind., Vancouver Granville) — “Wang Zhoudi” 王州迪
What makes a chosen Chinese name not only good but excellent? For Wilson-Raybould, the difference is a touch of boldness. Her Chinese given name, “Zhoudi”, is a practical transliteration of the English. But while her surname could have tried to vaguely mimic the initial sound of “Wilson-Raybould”, or even worse the whole thing, she instead chose the everyday, ubiquitous Chinese name “Wang,” meaning “King.” There is no way that “Wang” is the closest phonetic match to “Wilson,” and this deliberate step away from transliteration is refreshing and displays genuine thoughtfulness.
Read the rest of the list at his website. While you won't come away with a deep understanding of Chinese names, you will get a glimpse into the importance of minute details in running an election campaign. -via Digg