TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
> ... Would it be
> better to use: Last name / First name (but what about names where the
> surname is usually written first?) or should we use: Family name / Given
> name.>>
Geoff wrote:
> Definitely use the last one; it's clearest and relies least on understanding
> a relatively uncommon English term. Although the first option is technically
> correct, it's not something you can count on an average audience
> understanding. Your second point is well taken, since you'd confuse many
> Chinese Americans as to your goal.
Geoff, are you saying that you think Surname, Given Name is more clear
than Last Name, First Name?
Maybe in Canada, but not in the US, the country about which she inquired.
For example, if I had only one field, named "given name," I'd have no idea
what to enter. If it were next to a field named "surname" I could figure
it out by process of elimination.
But I think any US resident very quickly learns what to consider their
LAST name and their FIRST name, if they have to do any paperwork at all in
this country (such as applying for a green card).
Begging to differ for once,
Keith Cronin
who doesn't like it when the restrooms in bars use cute pictures on their
doors instead of the words MEN and WOMEN, although this practice *has*
resulted in a couple of interesting encounters...
Save up to 50% with RoboHelp Deluxe. Get 2 great products for 1 low price!
You'll get RoboHelp Office PLUS RoboDemo, the software demonstration tool
that everyone's been talking about. Check it out and save! http://www.ehelp.com/techwr-l
---
You are currently subscribed to techwr-l as:
archive -at- raycomm -dot- com
To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-techwr-l-obscured -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com
Send administrative questions to ejray -at- raycomm -dot- com -dot- Visit http://www.raycomm.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.
