If I remember right, a lot of Chinese words (or phrases that function as words) are two-element compounds--made of two monosyllabic basic words. Some monosyllables are used by themselves, but a lot of meaning is carried in two-syllable compounds. Family names are normally one syllable; given names are typically two syllable, like an awful lot of Chinese nouns in general.
I think.
In the context of emigrants to the West, things can be different.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2010-04-09 09:55 pm (UTC)I think.
In the context of emigrants to the West, things can be different.