Post by kri on Oct 9, 2004 15:42:00 GMT -6
Azul, loyal Talossans!
The use of people's 'real' names has become an increasingly controversial issue in Talossan politics over the last couple of years.
Ián Metáiriâ (a.k.a. JJ) has asked me to replace his German name with his Talossan name on the Talossan Prime Ministers page, and I have complied.
I also received to e-mails from disgruntled ex-Talossans demanding to have their names removed from all our web pages. (My response to them was that I would consider their request once they have removed the word "Talossa" from all their web pages, and they return the "Talossa" domain names to us. I will add to that, that such persons must also cease and desist from using any unauthorized Talossan language words or Talossan terminology.)
Many years ago, in the late 1980s, I was appointed by the Ziu to head the Office of National Names or "ONN". The purpose of the ONN was to coordinate with immigrants so that they could receive, if they chose to use them, Talossan-language names.
It would appear that the need for the ONN is now more than ever. So, I am starting this Witt thread to start a national dialogue on the subject.
Eventually, I hope, this dialogue will result in national legislation governing the use of Talossan-language names to a) promote and extend Talossan national identity, and b) shield and protect loyal Talossan citizens from 'real world' complications. (Naturally, ex-Talossans will have no legal protection from any Talossan legislation, of course.)
My initial thought is to revive the ONN as a constantly active agency, negotiating with each and every prospective to secure a Talossan-language name before they are naturalized. The experience with Tomás Gariçéir is that the earlier that Talossan name is introduced, the less confusion there will be. The transition to Quedéir Castiglhâ was a bit more difficult, because of the delay involved.
So, my idea is to have each immigrant make a MANDATORY decision before naturalization about which name to use publicly, a decision which cannot later be changed. The law would then mandate the use of that name in all Talossan websites and publications. (Such a law, I believe, would be consistent with the Organic Law's guarantee of free speech and press, due to the Organic Law's insistence that civil rights laws be interpreted with Talossan national identity as the uppermost priority.)
It is incredibly complicated and confusing to change people's names in books, websites, and conversation, after having used one version for a decade. Now that the issue is out in the open, hopefully legislation can be drafted that saves us the trouble of doing this for future citizens. A further thought is that the law would provide for current citizens switching to Talossan names, but would require this to be done within some period of time (a month?) following the adoption of the law. (Speak now or for ever hold your peace!) That would fix everybody's names in stone for all time henceforth and forever, worlds without end, amen and amen, etc.
Hopefully, as many of you as possible can become engaged in this dialogue. Let's move Talossa forward through its unique language and identity!
Ben
The use of people's 'real' names has become an increasingly controversial issue in Talossan politics over the last couple of years.
Ián Metáiriâ (a.k.a. JJ) has asked me to replace his German name with his Talossan name on the Talossan Prime Ministers page, and I have complied.
I also received to e-mails from disgruntled ex-Talossans demanding to have their names removed from all our web pages. (My response to them was that I would consider their request once they have removed the word "Talossa" from all their web pages, and they return the "Talossa" domain names to us. I will add to that, that such persons must also cease and desist from using any unauthorized Talossan language words or Talossan terminology.)
Many years ago, in the late 1980s, I was appointed by the Ziu to head the Office of National Names or "ONN". The purpose of the ONN was to coordinate with immigrants so that they could receive, if they chose to use them, Talossan-language names.
It would appear that the need for the ONN is now more than ever. So, I am starting this Witt thread to start a national dialogue on the subject.
Eventually, I hope, this dialogue will result in national legislation governing the use of Talossan-language names to a) promote and extend Talossan national identity, and b) shield and protect loyal Talossan citizens from 'real world' complications. (Naturally, ex-Talossans will have no legal protection from any Talossan legislation, of course.)
My initial thought is to revive the ONN as a constantly active agency, negotiating with each and every prospective to secure a Talossan-language name before they are naturalized. The experience with Tomás Gariçéir is that the earlier that Talossan name is introduced, the less confusion there will be. The transition to Quedéir Castiglhâ was a bit more difficult, because of the delay involved.
So, my idea is to have each immigrant make a MANDATORY decision before naturalization about which name to use publicly, a decision which cannot later be changed. The law would then mandate the use of that name in all Talossan websites and publications. (Such a law, I believe, would be consistent with the Organic Law's guarantee of free speech and press, due to the Organic Law's insistence that civil rights laws be interpreted with Talossan national identity as the uppermost priority.)
It is incredibly complicated and confusing to change people's names in books, websites, and conversation, after having used one version for a decade. Now that the issue is out in the open, hopefully legislation can be drafted that saves us the trouble of doing this for future citizens. A further thought is that the law would provide for current citizens switching to Talossan names, but would require this to be done within some period of time (a month?) following the adoption of the law. (Speak now or for ever hold your peace!) That would fix everybody's names in stone for all time henceforth and forever, worlds without end, amen and amen, etc.
Hopefully, as many of you as possible can become engaged in this dialogue. Let's move Talossa forward through its unique language and identity!
Ben