People’s names matter.
Getting them right, remembering them, pronouncing them correctly is essential to create the impression that one is polite,
thoughtful and interested in each individual.
However, today, when our
business networks stretch around the globe, getting it right isn’t always easy.
Deciding if someone you’re writing to is Mr. or Ms. isn’t
the only puzzle. How to know what is the surname/family name and what is the
given name? Is Yao Ming Mr. or Ms.?
Mrs. Ming or Mr. Yao? Is the
family name (surname) written first or
is it last? (By the way Yao Ming is Mr. Yao) In addition there’s the question: how is the name pronounced?
Don’t despair. You can find the answer even when the usual
Google search doesn’t yield a useful response. Help is often as simple phone
call away. If your city has an embassy
or a consulate for the country that is home to the person with the name that
puzzles you – give them a call. Someone
there will be able to help. No embassy
or consulate in your city? Find an
Embassy in Washington, DC (http://www.embassy.org/embassies/).
Another option is to reach the officer at the Country Desk
at the US Department of State that covers the country that interests you. These
people are experts about the country they cover. (http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/115480.pdf).
Check to see if there is business development organization
such as the Hong Trade Development Council, a Korean or French American Chamber
of Commerce, for example. If none of
those exist, try a nearby university.
Their language department may be able to advise you.
Whether you are going to visit or planning to welcome Mr.
Sekou Nkrumah from Ghana, Ms. Zeynep Yildirim from Turkey, or Mr. Choi Jihoon
from South Korea you can find the answers. Be prepared and make the impression
that you are thoughtful , knowledgeable and polite. People to do business with those who know
their name.
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