Data Note: Alternative Name Encodings - Using Jyutping or Pinyin as tonal representations of Chinese names for data linkage.

ABSTRACT: Accurate data linkage across large administrative databases is crucial for addressing complex research and policy questions, yet linkage errors-stemming from inconsistent name representations-can introduce biases, predominantly for names not given in English. This data note examines the impact of romanisation on linkage accuracy, focusing on Chinese names and comparing standardised systems (Jyutping and Pinyin) with the non-standardised Hong Kong Government Cantonese Romanisation (HKG-romanisation). We identify three primary issues: language-specific variations in romanisation, the loss of tonal information inherent to tonal languages, and discrepancies in name order conventions. Using a dataset of 771 Hong Kong student names, our analysis reveals that standardised romanisation systems enh

SUBMITTER: Lam J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11897931 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature