Why Chinese prefer English names?
Some say, “Because they sound cool, mah.”
Some say, “Easy to pronounce lo.”
Some say, “So that I can get one leng-lui at every one year. Which one do you think chics will fall for? Tan Wee Hong or Jacky Tan? (I think Anbu Tan sounds cooler)
Anyway, the answer for the question above maybe lies in my experience. Well. I am not a Chinese and that is for sure but my sharing could be vely vely helpful for you guys.
The following are the scenarios that have taken place in my office whenever I make or receive calls:
Scene 1
Trut.. Trut.. (Making a call)
Person No 1: Good morning. Bla bla bla Sdn Bhd.
Me: Hello. I’m calling from Sukat Bahan. May I speak to Mr. Bla Bla, please?
Person No 1: Who’s on the line?
Me: Anbu
Person No 1: Undrew? (Actually she said “Andrew?”)
Me: No. Anbu. A-N-B-U.
Person No 1: Oh… A-N-D-U. Mr. Undo, he is in a meeting. Could you try him later?
Thank you.
Scene 2
Ring…ring… (Receiving a call)
Me: Good evening. Sukat Bahan.
Person 2: Halo. Mr. Chong got ah?
Me: Who am I speaking to, please?
Person 2: Jenna from RE Property. He’s there ah?
Me: Sorry. Mr. Chong is on leave. He will be back on Friday. Is there any
message for him?
Person 2: Never mind. I call him on Friday. What’s your name ah?
Me: Anbu.
Person 2: Huh?! Hantu?! (Should have reminded her that now is Hungry Ghost Season)
Me: No. Anbu.
Person 2: How to spell your name?
Me: A-N-B-U. Anbu
Person 2: Ok. Mr. Undo. I’ll call on Friday.
Me: Okay. Thank you.
Haiz…. WHY?!! WHY?!!... Maybe I should start introducing myself as Christie, but people might send faxes to me with “Attn: Ms. Christy”
Or maybe like Anwar who made famous of himself with SODOMY crime in court, I should make myself famous with “YOU-KNOW-ME?” crime.
