Some last names are first, but they’re not first names

Today’s question: With North and South Korea in the news lately, I have a question on how their names are used in the newspaper. I've noticed that the paper uses the first names of the Koreans after the initial mention of them. But for western names, the last name is used after the initial mention.

Did you know that in the Cambodian culture they don’t use middle names? They usually use a family name and a two-syllable given name.

I don’t know why this should be so, but it is kind of interesting, don’t you think?

In the culture of the Koreans and Chinese and many other Asians lands, it is common for a person’s family name to be used first followed by their given name or names.

Hence, an Asian John Smith would be properly addressed as Smith John. It has kind of a ring to it.

In some Asian cultures, especially Japanese, a person’s title is often incorporated into his/her name.

Hence, it would be proper to say to me, “You are wrong again, Thompson Columnist” or maybe, “You are really an idiot, Thompson Newspaper Hack.” Or maybe, “Running Dog Friend of Montini.”

I kind of like it. It is a colorful, expressive way of addressing someone. You would think given such cultural resources that silly North Korean guy could have come up with something better than “dotard.” Next, a bit of housekeeping: People, as I have told you before, I am not the circulation department. Don’t call me if you didn’t get your paper or want to change your address. Call 602-444-1000.