by Lara Novis » Thu Jan 17, 2019 2:24 pm
- Questions 1. 2 and 3: What are common names where you come from? Is your family name common? Does your family name tell you anything about your family (e.g., where you come from)?
In Spain, there are many common names used since the antiquity, such as María, Jesús and Francisco. There are also many typical surnames, such as García and González. However, my family name, Novis, is very unusual. We are not sure about the origin of the surname, but it seems to be from Germany.
- Question 4: Some English names refer to trades or professions, such as Butcher or Baker. Does your name mean anything? Are there any names in your country that do?
My surname has no meaning in Spanish; although in my country, there are a large number of family names referred to professions, such as, Carnicero, Pastor or Herrero.
- Question 5: Are any names from other countries popular in your country? Which ones?
Some foreign names have become popular in Spain as a consequence of the globalization. One of the most popular surnames is Suárez, which, I think, is from México. Nevertheless, there are popular names in Spain from many others countries. For example, “Betencourt” or “Domeneq” from France, “O´connor” from England and “Cheng” from China.
- Question 6: In your country when you meet someone for the first time, what name do you use? How do you know when you can use their first name?
In Spain, we usually use the first name when we meet someone. There are no specific rules to address people informally, but it is commonly accepted. However, using the surname is more polite in formal circumstances, such as working meetings.
- Question 7: In your country do you ever use surnames without a title (e.g., Mrs or Mr)? When could you do this? Why would you do it?
It isn´t common to use surnames without a title (Mr or Mrs). In fact, surnames are used in very formal situations, in which people have to be called with the title. Perhaps, we could use the surname without title like a nickname.
- Question 8: There are common pet names in English that show affection, such as honey, darling or pet. What words are used in your language?
In my country, we use sweet pet names, and they are actually very similar to the ones used in English, such as “cariño” and “amor”.
- Questions 1. 2 and 3: What are common names where you come from? Is your family name common? Does your family name tell you anything about your family (e.g., where you come from)?
In Spain, there are many common names used since the antiquity, such as María, Jesús and Francisco. There are also many typical surnames, such as García and González. However, my family name, Novis, is very unusual. We are not sure about the origin of the surname, but it seems to be from Germany.
- Question 4: Some English names refer to trades or professions, such as Butcher or Baker. Does your name mean anything? Are there any names in your country that do?
My surname has no meaning in Spanish; although in my country, there are a large number of family names referred to professions, such as, Carnicero, Pastor or Herrero.
- Question 5: Are any names from other countries popular in your country? Which ones?
Some foreign names have become popular in Spain as a consequence of the globalization. One of the most popular surnames is Suárez, which, I think, is from México. Nevertheless, there are popular names in Spain from many others countries. For example, “Betencourt” or “Domeneq” from France, “O´connor” from England and “Cheng” from China.
- Question 6: In your country when you meet someone for the first time, what name do you use? How do you know when you can use their first name?
In Spain, we usually use the first name when we meet someone. There are no specific rules to address people informally, but it is commonly accepted. However, using the surname is more polite in formal circumstances, such as working meetings.
- Question 7: In your country do you ever use surnames without a title (e.g., Mrs or Mr)? When could you do this? Why would you do it?
It isn´t common to use surnames without a title (Mr or Mrs). In fact, surnames are used in very formal situations, in which people have to be called with the title. Perhaps, we could use the surname without title like a nickname.
- Question 8: There are common pet names in English that show affection, such as honey, darling or pet. What words are used in your language?
In my country, we use sweet pet names, and they are actually very similar to the ones used in English, such as “cariño” and “amor”.