Naming the Face of China's Next Generation

OR FREE WILL IN CHINESE CLASSROOMS

O, be some other name!
What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.

--William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet (2.2.44-46)

We don't use Chinese names in English class. Call me lazy. Or culturally insensitive. But across China, using English "names" in ESL class is standard practice. "Ok, class. For homework, please pick an English name." I provided no name sheets. And I did my best to not pass judgement. The assignment was about freedom and choice, self-expression and self-definition. I had changed my name when I entered college. And so, I gave my students the same option.

Some chose English spellings of their Chinese names (Yilin). One girl chose a Chinese spelling of an English name (Annine). Others handed in your typical white American names (Anna, Sara, Caroline, Grace). Still others handed in your typical African American names (Letisha, Akili). Nice names all. But names that will not get you noticed by me -- someone who is very talented at forgetting names at the drop of a hat.

To get remembered, you need to try a little harder. Like my student from last year, Rebecca, a tall and husky Chinese man. I will go to the grave with his name etched into my memory.

I don't believe in standardization. I don't think it was my job to take Rebecca's name away because he was not nor wanted to be a girl.

This post is my wall of fame to those whose names I will never forget. This is what happens when you introduce creativity and free will into a Chinese classroom. May they amuse and entertain, enlighten and perhaps explain. I wish I could tell you why these names were picked. If my students' English were good enough, maybe I'd have them write a 500-word essay on the symbolism of their name choice.

But since it's not and I won't, please enjoy the mystery.