关于名字, 中国有几百种方言, 拼音记录的只是普通话的发音, 说老实话, 我的中文名写成拼音之后就只是一串字母, 完全没有原来的感觉(比如字面的美感)和寓意了. 加上西人没法准确发音读出我的名字, 所以呢, 比照我中文名的意思取一个英文名, 我认为反而是对我的中文名的尊重.

有意思的是, 我认识的西人中, 那些在学校里读书的都强烈反对我用英文名, 他们不约而同的一句话是

"My parent gave me this name and I'll keep it forever."

相反, 在商业场合打交道的人一点也没有对我的英文名有异议, 也许是他们太多事情要记, 难记的名字能少记一个算一个吧. 呵呵.

p.s. "sailor" 这个词有一个意思是, "喜欢航海而又不会晕船的人", 我觉得比较适合俺原来的中文名(至少还没找到更合适的).

一个人也好,一个民族也好,保持所谓的assertiveness很重要,不卑不亢,不张扬也不随波逐流.本来起个英文名,完全是为了日常生活方便,干吗非要提升到民族大义的高度呢;某加拿大人起了个地道的中文名字"大山",是不是也要联系到他的民族情结上去呀.说到底,过分注重西人或其他什么人的看法,实际上是缺乏民族自信心的缘故.
我们有些海外华人因为种种原因,要么妄自菲薄,要么狂妄自大.其实中华民族和其他任何民族一样都有特定的优缺点,坚持自己民族的优点,学习其他民族的优点,不断进步才是真正的民族大义,我看不出起了个英文名怎么就会"人自弃而人必弃之".

本文发表在 rolia.net 枫下论坛http://www.cbs.gov.on.ca/mcbs/english/change_name.htm

Change of Name
How do I change my name in Ontario?
Ontario’s Change of Name Act came into effect in 1987. The following information explains how to complete a legal change of name in Ontario, for most situations. There are different kinds of changes of name in Ontario, and the Office of the Registrar General (ORG) will help you decide which one is appropriate under your given circumstances. For information, call the ORG at 1-800-461-2156, or from the Toronto area: (416) 325-8305.

Changing your Name

There are different procedures for changing your name depending on your age, marital status and the reason for changing your name.

In order to change your name, you must have lived in Ontario for the last 12 months.

If you are at least 16 years old, you can apply to change your given names, surnames, or both. Between the ages of 16 and 18, you must provide the written consent of the person(s) who have lawful custody of you, unless you are married.

You can elect to change your surname (family name) as a result of marriage or a common-law relationship. You may change your surname to the surname your partner had immediately before the union or to a surname combining both your surnames in either order. If you change your name within 90 days after your marriage, there is no fee.

Changing A Child’s Name

There are different procedures for changing your child’s name depending on his or her age, the name you wish to choose, and who has custody of the child.

You may change your child’s name if you have legal custody of your child, written consent of the other parent and the child has been resident in Ontario for at least one year before the application is made.

Consent is required from all those who have or share custody of the child. If your child is between the ages of 12 and 18, the child’s written consent is required. Notice must also be given to every person with legal access to the child.


Your Application and Supporting Documents

An application for a name change can be obtained from the Office of the Registrar General.

Return the Application form along with:

All birth certificates and previous change of name certificates of each person whose name is to be changed.
A statement by a guarantor who knows the applicant and can confirm that the applicant has lived in Ontario for at least one year prior to the application date.
A marriage certificate, a divorce certificate, an annulment certificate or a death certificate of spouse, or joint declaration of conjugal relationship, if you elect to change your name.
Proof of notice to your spouse if you are married and are formally changing your name.
Proof of custody and written consent from all those who have custody if you are changing your child’s name.
Proof of notice to every person who is lawfully entitled to have access to the child.
Written consent of the child, if the child is 12 to 18 years old.
The required fee.
Other documents may be required, depending on the circumstances.

Choosing the Name(s)

You must have a minimum of one forename (first name) and one surname (last name). Please be advised that the Office of the Registrar General is unable to reproduce some symbols and accents on certificates.

Assuming Your Spouse’s Name

At any time, you may choose to use your spouse’s surname. This does not constitute a legal change of name.

For more information, please contact:

Office of the Registrar General
Ministry of Consumer and Business Services
P.O. Box 4600
3rd Floor
189 Red River Road
Thunder Bay, Ontario
P7B 6L8

Business Hours are:
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fax 1-807-343-7459

Toll Free: 1-800-461-2156
(If calling within Ontario)
Or
1-416-325-8305
(From the 416 area code and outside of Ontario)更多精彩文章及讨论，请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net