197
Appendix A
Titles and Forms of Address
in Asian Countries
T     within Kiss, Bow, or Shake
Hands: Asia—single names, compound names, patronymics, names
read right to le or le to right, honorics, etc. For eciency’s sake, if
multiple countries use the same customs, we have tried to consolidate
them here. Some of this data may be repeated in certain chapters.
Chinese Naming Conventions
●
Chinese names are listed in a dierent order from Western names.
Traditionally, each person received three characters from the Chi-
nese language. e rst was the family name (from the father),
then a middle name (which used to be called a generational
name—one for all the brothers and another for all the sisters in
a family), and nally a given name—in that order. Historically,
generational names could have been planned out by a family’s
ancestors, and served a great purpose across the generations.
●
Aer the Cultural Revolution, generational names became less
common, and were supplanted by individual middle names. For
example, in 2006, the President of the People’s Republic of China
and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, Presi-
dent Hu Jintao had the family name of Hu, a middle name of Jin,
and a given name of Tao. (His name could also be rendered Hu
Chin-t’ao.)
●
Chinese wives do not generally take their husband’s surnames,
but instead maintain their maiden names. Although Westerners
commonly address a married woman as “Mrs.” plus her husband’s

these surnames are transcribed into English, there are several
possible variations. For example, Wong, Wang, and Huang are all
English versions of the same Chinese clan name.
●
Most people you meet should be addressed with a title and their
name. If a person does not have a professional title (President,
Engineer, Doctor), simply use “Mr.” or “Madam,” “Mrs.,” or “Miss,”
plus the name.
●
e Chinese are sensitive to status, so you should use ocial
titles such as “General,” “Committee Member,” or “Bureau Chief.”
Never call anyone “Comrade” unless you are a Communist also.
Arabic Naming Conventions
●
Muslim names are usually derived from Arabic. Translating from
Arabic to other alphabets is not an exact science. Arabic names
may be spelled several dierent ways in English. For example, the
founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was King Abdul-Aziz
Al-Saud. However, his name is also rendered in English as King
Abd-al-Aziz Al Saud. History books tend to render his name as
King Ibn Saud.
●
Arabic naming traditions are used in many Islamic countries
outside of the Middle East—for example, Indonesia. In general,
names are written in the same order as English names: title, given
name, middle name (oen a patronymic), and surname (family
name). In 2005, the new ruler of Saudi Arabia was King Abdul-
lah Bin-Abd-al-Aziz al Saud; his title was “King,” his given name
was Abdullah, bin Abd-al-Aziz is a patronymic meaning “son of
Abd-Aziz,” and al-Saud was his family name. (King Abdullah suc-


199
200

Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: Asia
●
Another common naming convention is a given name rst, then
the father’s given name second, followed by the family name.
●
Most Saudis should be addressed by title and given name (e.g.,
Prince Khalil), just as you would address a member of the British
aristocracy (e.g., Sir John). ey can also be addressed as “Your
Excellency.” In writing, use their full name.
●
In Saudi Arabia, the title “Sheikh” (pronounced “shake”) is used
by any important leader well versed in the Koran, or an individual
worthy of great respect; it does not designate membership in the
royal family.
●
A Muslim male who has completed his pilgrimage to Mecca is
addressed as Haji. A woman who has done so would be addressed
as Hajjah. Note that these titles are not automatically conferred
on spouses; they must be individually earned by making the pil-
grimage. However, when in doubt, err on the side of generosity. It
is better to give a superuous title than to omit one.
Indian Naming Conventions
●
India’s naming conventions are changing. For example, the
southern region of India seems to be gradually moving toward
the naming customs of the north, and professional females are

is used instead of s/o. When an Indian woman married, she usu-
ally ceased to use her father’s initial; instead, she followed her
personal name with her husband’s name. For instance, when S.
Kamala (female) married V. iru (male), she might go by Mrs.
Kamala iru.
●
Some Indians will use Western-style surnames. Christian Indians
may have biblical surnames like Abraham or Jacob. Indians from
the former Portuguese colony of Goa may have surnames of Por-
tuguese origin, such as Rozario or DeSilva. Such a person could
be addressed as Dr. Jacob or Mr. DeSilva.
●
Indian Sikhs generally have a given name followed by either Singh
(for men) or Kaur (for women). Always address them by a title
and rst name. While Singh literally means “lion,” to refer to a
Sikh male as Mr. Singh may be as meaningless as saying “Mr.
Man” in English.
Further data on naming conventions can be found on our Web
site, www.kissboworshakehands.com, or in Merriam Webster’s Guide
to International Business Communications.
Appendix A

201