9 ms·
> In some countries (notably French speaking) it is convention to write a person’s surname in all caps to make it clear which part of the name is the surname.
by Zababa 5y ago
> In some countries (notably French speaking) it is convention to write a person’s surname in all caps to make it clear which part of the name is the surname.
This is a French-specific thing? I didn't know that. I really like it, it makes it easier to know which part is the name and which part is the family name.
- LazyOne 5y agoYes I've seen this in some French and Belgian companies.
- msbarnett 5y agoIt's not fully French specific — conventionally, transliterated Japanese family names are rendered in ALL CAPS, particularly when it's unclear whether or not the name is being presented in Japanese-style family-name-first order to western audiences who may otherwise confuse the given and family names.
- senkora 5y agoI’ve also seen it in the CIA World Factbook. I didn’t realize it was a French thing. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/japan/ https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/japan/ Lots of info on the page, but the relevant part: “head of government: Prime Minister Fumio KISHIDA (since 4 October 2021 )“ Edit: Another example: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/albania/ https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/albania/ “head of government: Prime Minister Edi RAMA (since 10 September 2013); Deputy Prime Minister Senida MESI (since 13 September 2017)“
- malshe 5y agoI knew this as a French-specific thing when I worked there and I used to love it. Haven't seen it anywhere else though.
- okanat 5y agoThere are a bunch of countries that were ruled by France or adapted it by cultural exchange. We also capitalize the surnames in Turkey. Not as often anymore but it is a thing for many official documents.