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« on: August 14, 2007, 01:52:32 AM »
The Japanese put their family names in front but address foreigners in the manner to which the foreigner is accustomed.
Ex #1: Koreans also put their family name up front so a Japanese would address them with their family name first.
i.e. Korean: Kim (family) Joo Yun (personal) --- Japanese: Kimu Ju Yan
Ex #2: Americans (English) put their personal name up front so a Japanese would address them with their personal name first.
i.e. American: George (personal) Bush (family) --- Japanese: Jioruju Bushi
They do make an interesting exception though. You could be an American citizen of Japanese decent with a Japanese name but they'll still put your personal name first in addressing you because that's what Americans do. Also, spelling one's name in kanji and hiragana is also reserved for Japanese citizens. If you're a Japanese-American, they'll spell your name all in katakana like they do with any other foreigner.
Of course, we as Americans have no intent to respect the ways of others so we give Japan the big F U and say their names personal name first like we do with ours.
Personally, I prefer to say Japanese names personal name first. Not only does it feel respectful, it just sounds better. Well to me at least...
As for Shiki and Kouma (personal names), I'd (ME PERSONALLY, you can do whatever the hell you want) say their full names (which I don't think happens very often if at all) in the Japanese order since they are Japanese names. As for Akiha...if people can call Red (Wild) Arcueid "Warc" (hehe, chocobos), then I see no reason why we can call Akiha Vermillion (Red) "Rocky-ha" (hehe, I made a funny...ok, shut up. I'm tired). But serious, just call her whatever you want. The important part is that people will understand who you're talking about. Unless you pull a douchebag move like just saying "Akiha" and leave everyone to guess which one.
What does this have to do with Len vs. Ren? Not I clue. I think I was bored and just running off of Liger's post.