How sinologists choose their Chinese names

Nigerian Sinologist Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim. [Photo by Jiang Wanjuan/chinadaily.com.cn]

Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, lecturer at the Department of Political Science and International Relations at University of Abuja in Nigeria. His research areas include international politics and the Communist Party of China and economic prosperity.

My Chinese name is Xie Lifu (谢里夫). I got the name in 2008, from my Chinese teacher at China Normal University when I first came to China to study the language. I am already used to my Chinese name, I have been called this name for four years in China, and now I feel happy whenever the name is used.

You can get your Chinese name from your English, Arabic, French or traditional name. Before you come to China as a Sinologist, you should have a Chinese name to use on your arrival.