Hello Students,

Today we are going to study about the origin and history of surnames. I hope you enjoy this interesting topic!

Article Link:

https://chitchatclubjapan.blogspot.com/2022/05/surnames-origins-and-history.html

Vocabulary:

1. tracing - find or discover by investigation.

2. census - an official count or survey, especially of a population.

3. Middle Ages - the period of European history from the fall of the Roman Empire in the West (5th century) to the fall of Constantinople (1453), or, more narrowly, from c. 1000 to 1453.

4. patronymic - a name derived from the name of a father or ancestor

5. colonization - the action or process of settling among and establishing control over the indigenous people of an area.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the culture of surnames in your country?

2. What does your name mean? Where does it come from?

3. Are there any similarities between surnames in Europe and your country?

4. If you could change your surname to represent your location, occupation, or nickname, what would your new surname be?

5. Tell me about someone you know from a western country, and try to find out what their surname means, and where it comes from. You can use the internet to help you find the answer!