From the Readers

Unhappy merger of two districts

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-07-23 08:05

After I heard last week that Dongcheng and Chongwen districts were to be merged (as were Xicheng and Xuanwu), I wondered what would be the name of the enlarged district and why Chongwen residents were unhappy with the change.

But after reading a report later, which said the new name would be Dongcheng, I understand why Chongwen residents are unhappy. How would Dongcheng residents feel if the new district was called Chongwen?

The merger of two districts should not be projected as a victory of one over the other, rather it should be a harmonious union of two equal units.

In fact, the thought of the old and glorious name Chongwen becoming history makes me feel sad too.

It's not too late to change the name of the new district. Can't a combination of the two names be used to show the union of the two districts?

Chinese linguists can easily deal with such a problem and make everyone happy. It's a matter of justice, too.

And if the authorities stick to their decision, they should inform the public why they did so.

Lisa Carducci, via e-mail

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(China Daily 07/23/2010 page9)