Indians and names

[C8PPO]

I've noticed that a lot of Indians, when presenting their name in public, give only the initials of their forenames, rather than the usual forename/surname which we're accustomed to seeing in the press, e.g. Mr V.K. Dutta rather than Vishram Dutta. Then again, they don't all do it. Anyone know the reasons behind this? Religion? Caste? Just curious!

[madala]

...."curiosity killed the cat".....

[stackmonkey]

I have no idea.

regards,

S. Monkey.

[davido140]

Indians dont have Indian names any more, they are all called Roger, and Brian and Peter and other good upstanding british names!

At least thats what the Abbey call centre would have me believe, cant help with the OPs question but its another odd one, why these places feel the need to give everyone false names...

I find it a bit patronising to be honest, Like I wouldnt notice the call centre is in bangalore because the guy with the accent calls himself billy, or that my head would explode if I had to have a conversation with Vikas or Vijay...

Edited by davido140 on Friday 1st January 17:20

[David87]

C8PPO said:

Mr V.K. Dutta

I watched Air Crash Investigation too.

Edited by David87 on Friday 1st January 17:22

[clarkey318is]

Quite frankly a lot of them are sodding difficult to pronounce. I would imagine this is why. A few Russians I know have just Anglicized their names because they spent the first half of meetings trying to teach someone their name.

[andy-xr]

C8PPO said:

I've noticed that a lot of Indians, when presenting their name in public, give only the initials of their forenames, rather than the usual forename/surname which we're accustomed to seeing in the press, e.g. Mr V.K. Dutta rather than Vishram Dutta. Then again, they don't all do it. Anyone know the reasons behind this? Religion? Caste? Just curious!

On some technical support cases I've been involved in, the tech has signed off second name/first initial, also curious about that

[spikeyhead]

I once asked a bloke I worked with the same question and he replied that I wouldn't be able to pronounce his first name.

I asked some of the other Indians there how to pronounce it and they declined to attempt it.

[Pickled Piper]

I'm not entirely sure why. However, it is common practice in India and but not commonly practiced by those of indian descent living elsewhere.


You have to remember that Indian business etiquette (until recently) is/was based on Victorian England. Until recently only the surname was used in a business context. The first and second names would only be used by family and very close friends. However, the initials are on the card to differentiate from other Mr Duttas.

I've seen the format used by professionals of all castes and religions. So I don't think this is a factor.

pp

Edited by Pickled Piper on Friday 1st January 17:54

[vincenz]

It pisses me off how they so many names, my mate Mo has about 4 other names.

I also gave a test drive to someone and he showed me an insurance document for a different name on his liscence.

Its all a bit dishonest IMO.

[Ian_H]

On the phone to a call centre yesterday and the Indian sounding gentleman introduced himself with "Hello my name is Zippy, how can I help you"

[C8PPO]

David87 said:

C8PPO said:

Mr V.K. Dutta

I watched Air Crash Investigation too.

Edited by David87 on Friday 1st January 17:22

Ha, yes, that was what reminded me but I'd been meaning to ask this for ages!