Via the always interesting quantum of sollazzo data newsletter, we are directed towards a fascinating project exploring the complexity of Chinese personal and family names and the challenges of Pinyin 
romanisation (see previously), which whilst creating name recognition for a global audience, creates ambiguities in the simplification, leaving out tonal qualities and how multiple characters can share the same transliteration. Over thirteen million individuals have Ma as a surname but it sourced from either ้ฉฌ, ๅ or less commonly ้บป (others have dozens of possibility occurring in the population) depending on stress, intonation and of course carry deeper meaning and associations—etymological and familial—than what can be conveyed in the Pinyin and comparable systems. Explore more on onomastics and naming conventions at the links above and hear examples of pronunciation that can vary widely and are quite distinct.
synchronoptica
one year ago: On the Beach (1959) with synchronoptica
seven years ago: youthquake plus molten salt reactors
eight years ago: Ottoman fairy tales, assorted links worth revisiting, railway competition, a lesson on euphemisms plus signs of the year
nine years ago: more links to enjoy, a special Jedi holiday service plus comparative cinematography
ten years ago: biological burps on Mars, the Becker of St Hedwig plus Christmas Colorforms
