This article falls within the scope of WikiProject Opera, a group writing and editing Wikipedia articles on operas, opera terminology, opera composers and librettists, singers, designers, directors and managers, companies and houses, publications and recordings. The project discussion page is a place to talk about issues and exchange ideas. New members are welcome!OperaWikipedia:WikiProject OperaTemplate:WikiProject OperaOpera articles
Latest comment: 2 years ago9 comments4 people in discussion
I sympathize with the instinct to correct names of historical figures to more widely used (and IME more intuitive) Pinyin system, eg Zhou Enlai rather than Chou Enlai. But in this case, the libretto uses Wade-Giles, probably because it was dominant in the historical sources. Should we stick with pinyin throughout, but use both in the list of characters? Or vice versa? -- Preceding unsigned comment added by Conflatuman (talk o contribs) 22:32, 20 January 2022 (UTC)Reply
The article should use names and places in "Roles", "Synopsis" and below as they are written in the libretto. In "Historical background", current (pinyin) transliteration is fine. -- Michael Bednarek (talk) 00:59, 21 January 2022 (UTC)Reply
I think we have to go with what Adams wrote when we are referring to the characters or to the scene of the opera. We should freely use parentheticals to deal with any potential confusion.--Wehwalt (talk) 16:42, 21 January 2022 (UTC)Reply
I bet that the majority of Americans under 40 (at least) have little idea who Zhou Enlai was (he died in 1976, after all, and was not a major world leader and cultural icon in the same sense as Mao). Therefore they might be confused if both "Zhou" and "Chou" appear in the article, with no explanation. AnonMoos (talk) 10:32, 22 January 2022 (UTC)Reply
Spelling Zhou Enlai's name consistently in this article will not improve his recognition among Americans under 40. The interested reader can find out more by clicking on one of his links in this article, no matter how it is spelled. -- Michael Bednarek (talk) 11:00, 22 January 2022 (UTC)Reply
However, if both "Zhou" and "Chou" appear in the article without any explanation or cross-referencing of the two names, then many who don't click on further links would be confused... AnonMoos (talk) 11:10, 22 January 2022 (UTC)Reply