MASS MAIL 24 MAY 2006 - STANDARDISATION: WRITING OF NAMES

FOUNDATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICA
"Participation Builds Unity"

"MADE IN AFRICA - FOR AFRICA"

FDA NEWSLETTER

MASS MAIL
24 MAY 2006
STANDARDISATION: WRITING OF NAMES - LISTING OF TELEPHONE NUMBERS
(All)

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The FOUNDATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICA proudly presents you with the following information that may add value to Africa's development. Please direct any correspondence to: info@isupportafrica.com

STANDARDISATION:
WRITING OF NAMES
LISTING OF TELEPHONE NUMBERS

You may recall we started a campaign that will lead to the standardisation of how we list telephone numbers on our correspondence (including email 'signatures'), business cards and a host of other applications showcasing these vital connecting digits.

I am pleased to announce that this campaign is gaining momentum - and once again appeal to all, in the interest of Africa's development, to make an effort in supporting this campaign.

WRITING OF NAMES
In Africa we are faced with a very peculiar situation, namely how to identify the common name (first name) from the surname or family name.

We are often faced with this dilemma especially when communicating with someone with a name like "Joseph Obinna" from Nigeria or Makha Diarra from Senegal.

What name is the common or first name or what name is the family name or surname?

All too often we assume that the last name is the family name - a number of countries use the family name first when writing their name. Therefore it is essential we write the family name in capital letters. Joseph Obinna would thus write his/her name as follow: JOSEPH Obinna or Makha Diarra would be Makha DIARRA.

In a number of African countries it is regarded as an offence to address anyone by their common name unless they have given you permission to do so - this ignorance may just result in a relationship going sour and the loss of potential business.

LISTING OF TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Most of us who regularly deal throughout the continent will identify with this issue. All too often we endeavor to call a number in a foreign country, and receive no response or an engaged signal and then blame the situation on the lack infrastructure. I am not insinuating that there is NO problem with telecommunication infrastructure - I am just trying to highlight the possibility of how the inclusion of one digit to the dialed number could cause great frustration.

When researching the way telephone numbers are written on business cards, we are faced with a zillion combinations - making it very difficult to select the right option. Surprisingly, some business-cards, circulated into the international market, fail to provide the full international codes required to connect.

Therefore, when listing a number we should follow certain basics. Our number in Northwold, Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa is listed as follows:

+27 (0)11 793 4409

+ = The International Code '09'
27 = This code designates the country - South Africa
(0) = This digit is only required when dialing the number locally e.g. in South Africa - therefore listed in brackets
11 = This is the code for a particular region or area - Johannesburg
793 = This is the code that further defines the region or area - Northwold and Randburg
4409 = This is our code or number.

A number in London, Great Briton (Our FDA PARTNER - The World Summits Organisation) would list their number as follows:

+44 (0)20 7427 2377

+ = The International Code '00'
44 = This code designates the country - Britain
(0) = This digit is only required when dialing the number locally e.g. in Britain - therefore listed in brackets
20 = This is the code for particular region or area - London
7427 = This is the code that further defines the region or area
2377 = This is their code or number.

A mobile number (South Africa) would be written as follows:

+27 (0)84 333 7777

Please forward this email to all your contacts - in particular we need to get the message to printers; DATA capturers; web designers and anyone constantly listing telephone detail.

Our FDA AFRICA SUPPORTERS and FDA PARTNERS contribute towards the wellbeing of the Foundation for the Development of Africa. In return we showcase these organisations and individuals on our world-ranked website.

This is a plea for you to support our FDA AFRICA SUPPORTERS and FDA PARTNERS. There wellbeing indirectly means our wellbeing.

Our FDA AFRICA SUPPORTERS are showcased and branded on every 'index page' within our 600 plus page websites - see:
http://www.foundation-development-africa.org/fda_info/africa_supporters.htm

Our FDA PARTNERS are showcased on our dedicated FDA PARTNER website - see:
http://www.fdapartners.net/partners/index.htm
or
http://www.fdapartners.net/com/logodisplaylist.htm

The services and products of our supporters/partners are indexed on our PRODUCTS AND SERVICES SERVING AFRICA - This section is becoming very popular and is receiving substantial 'hits' from around the globe - see:
http://www.fdapartners.net/products_services/index.htm

It may be in your interest to participate as a FDA PARTNER - see why:
http://www.fdapartners.net/com/why_participate.htm

We need you to support our efforts - please participate:
http://www.foundation-development-africa.org/fda_info/how_then_can_i_support_fda_africa.htm

Please add your name to a growing list of names proclaiming - "YES! I support Africa" - see:
http://www.isupportafrica.com/isagen/names/index.htm

Take care

COMMENTS RECEIVED

20 June 2006
Hi Peter,
An excellent suggestion, and we have implemented in our international business department.
Best Regards,
Peter
Peter DAVIES
International Business Manager
Kaytech Engineered Fabrics
South Africa

24 May 2006
Hi Mr Metcalfe
Thank you for the email.
I will make sure that the campaign is aired on our 12h00 - 15h00 shows as I think it is a very important and worthy cause.
Thank you again
Regards
Vukile Zondi
RAU Radio
South Africa

24 May 2006
Informative indeed.
Its really important to differentiate between the two names and to know which is which.
Its good that such topic is raised.
Mxolisi BUSAKWE
DMD Armscor
South Africa

24 May 2006
Very useful. I have personally adopted this.
Thx 4 d gr8 job
Remi
Remi ADESEUN
Rodot Nigeria Limited
Nigeria

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