One way many immigrants, especially Asians and Arabs, assimilate is to change their names to common American names. DP
Immigrants change countries, and their names
By Yvonne Abraham, Globe Staff
Boston.com: They entered ornate, flag-filled halls, ready to swear their first oaths of allegiance: Jiong Ping Huang from China; Mohammad Hussam Sawar from Syria; Dung Thanh Ho from Vietnam; and Gjergji Cani from Albania.
They emerged after moving ceremonies, bearing proof of their new US citizenship, smiles, and something else. Jiong Ping was now Candy. Mohammad became Sam. Dung was now Brandy. Gjergji became George.
"I adjusted to my new environment," said Cani, a Medford accounts coordinator who immigrated to the United States with his family five years ago. "Here, diversity is the norm, but you have to adapt yourself in this new culture."
The roiling national debate over immigration has been largely driven by questions of how waves of new arrivals are remaking American society.
But the urge to assimilate in the most conspicuous way -- changing one's name -- remains surprisingly strong in this era of cultural diversity.
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