Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/07/19
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]In Vietnam, the family name comes first; however, it is the given name that is used in formal appellation. So, although General Nguyen Ngoc Loan's family name is Nguyen, he would be properly referred to as General Loan, or Mr. Loan in civilian life. Ditto with President Diem, President Thieu, General Giap, etc. Only in extremely formal, and ceremonial (or propagandistic) occasions would the family name be used - this is more common in China than in Vietnam: e.g. Mao Chairman, Uncle Ho. - - Phong, whose full name is Doan huu Phong, and whom you may call "Mr. Phong" or just "Phong". Should I achieve recognition at the Cartier-Bresson level, I would be revered by this group as "Doan Leica Master" ;-).