A
Traditions of giving middle names vary around the world.
Scotland
Middle names are actually a fairly recent discovery in Scotland. However, as the practice has become popular around the world, it has become pretty common for Scottish babies to have middle names. Because last names in Scotland are generally associated with their family roots, and first names usually describe a physical characteristic, many parents see a middle name as an opportunity to give their baby a slightly more creative name.
Spain and Latin America
In Spain and Latin America, a middle name is a way to break free from the cultural code governing first names. In some countries, even first names are legislated(立法)to be of Christian origin. In Chile, most girls are named Maria, after the Virgin Mary, so the middle name is used in practice for differentiation. Maria is the most common name in the Spanish-speaking world, so in all Spanish-speaking countries the middle name takes on great significance.
Russia
In Russia, both boys and girls are given middle names based on their father’s first name. For boys, the middle name usually has ovich, or evich, added to its ending. For girls, the middle patronymic(从父名衍生出的名字) name usually has ovna, or evna, added to its ending. People in Russia are often referred to by both their first and middle names, sort of the way parents in America use their children’s full names when they’re trying to get their attention(or yell at them). Close friends in Russia often don’t use their first names completely, and use only patronymic names, when talking to each other.
Australia
According to Law Buddy, an Australian legal advice service, child naming laws in Australia allow Birth Registrars to refuse to register baby names that they consider to be offensive(冒犯的), careless, inappropriate, or ridiculous. They do allow for children to get a middle name, which is typically reserved for the mother’s maiden name(娘家姓), provided, of course, that the mother’s maiden name is not offensive, careless, inappropriate, or ridiculous.
21. What do we know about giving middle names in Scotland?
A. It needs to be based on their family roots.
B. It’s opposed by the elderly in the country.
C. It mainly describes a baby’s appearance.
D. It didn’t become common until not long ago.
22. What role do middle names in the Spanish-speaking countries play?
A. Showing family roots.
B. Showing their unique culture.
C. Describing a physical characteristic.
D. Allowing people to have different names
23. What is a typical feature of middle names in Russia?
A. They usually have the same ending.
B. They’re usually very creative names.
C. They’re usually difficult to remember.
D. They’re based on their father’s middle name.
24. What should parents in Australia consider when naming their children?
A. Avoiding a middle name.
B. Avoiding registering baby names.
C. Using the mother’s proper maiden name.
D. Using an unusual name for differentiation.
