Re: CHAT: new names (was: Re: Bopomofo and pinyin)

At 20:38 -0500 21.1.2000, Mia wrote:
>
>My parents still call me by the old first name, but I can deal
>with that so long as I don't have to use it myself. It seems to
>shock people who are complaining about their names when I say,
>"Change it!" :) I think it is similar to the shock people get
>when you admit that the language you are mumbling in was
>completely invented. <G>
Well, I changed the spelling of my old first names -- one of which I liked
as a sound and one which I don't like at all -- and added a name that used
to run in my family, but which I didn't get at birth (because my father
found it noisome to have a totally unique first name, whereas I find it
cool! :-).  The reason I didn't change lock-stock and barrel was
consideration for my family.  I regret it now.

In Sweden changing ones first name once is free and easy.  Changing
surnames or changing first names is a different thing.  You have to fill in
forms and apply with the Patents Registry, and pay a fee of SEK 400
(approx. USD 50), which they will keep even if they turn the application
down.  Reasons for turning down is usually that the name is too similar to
an existing surname.  There is also a committee of "language experts" that
judges the "appropriateness" of new names.  The easiest thing is to change
your surname into <father's first name> + "son" or "dotter" (daughter),
which is never turned down.  If your dad has an uncool name you are out of
luck, of course.  There are a lot of women doing just that these days,
which I think is good, but I read of one guy who had grown up with only his
mother, and wanted to take a <mother>son name.  He was turned down.

May I perhaps use you fellas as Guinea-pigs for a name that I and my
wife-to-be consider taking when we marry?

How would you pronounce _Ryttervik_ in your various natlangs?  Especially:
where would you place the stress?



/BP

 B.Philip Jonsson  <mailto: bpj@...> <mailto: melroch@...>
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