<div>Why do so many Chinese people choose such curious English names? You must have come across this phenomenon – whether they are names from a past century, or surnames, nouns or even adjectives used as first names, or words that aren’t real at all. I have a particular interest in this because my English name – Cindy – isn’t exactly in vogue these days.

You might think this is a bit of a trivial question, but I think the question of English names goes deeper than just some odd words. I think these names reveal something about the China that gave rise to them. So I was pleased to come across another China watcher recently who is also obsessed by the question. Peter Hessler is an award winning journalist whose 2001 book <em>River Town</em> was highly influential for its depiction of life in a changing China. I spoke to him recently upon the publication of his latest book, <em>Other Rivers</em>. Tune in to hear where I also reveal the origins of my English name.</div>


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What’s in a name? Peter Hessler on what English names can reveal about China

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