It's a little perplexing.

[Arnie H]

I've asked several Chinese e-cig dealers, based in China, if they knew who Hon Lik was. I was expecting them to recognize the name immediately, but none seem to have ever heard of the man. I thought perhaps the name was different in Chinese perhaps it should be "韩力" "Hán lì" or something. However, even when I described his reported contributions towards the development of the electronic cigarette, they still had no clue. No single person came to mind.

My question is this:

If it is not an issue of the translation/mispelling of the name, could it just be a function of the vast population of China? Could it be due to cultural/societal differences, such as the downplaying of individualism in a country where group achievement may be more valued? This would be expected in a communist and/or socialist society.

I'd primarily like to hear from Chinese vapers/E-cig vendors or anyone who has lived in China or has studied modern Chinese culture. But all responses are welcome and appreciated. Thanks. 谢谢 Xièxiè

 

[Topacka]

It could vary well be lost in translation. Pinyin (Chinese in English characters) is an English adaptation of a Russian linguist's translation of Chinese sounds into cyrillic. I'm not sure what part of China Han lik is from, but if he's from canton and the companies are from the north, the language dialect is going to be enough of a barrier that it could make them completely oblivious to what his name would be in any given dialect.

 

[Mitey F]

I bet most vapers worldwide wouldn't recognize the name... Hell, I barely did.

 

[Arnie H]

I don't think it was a language issue, because I also showed them pictures of Mr. Lik (with e-cig in hand of course) as well as describing him. I think it may be that the people I spoke with were just very likely new to the e-cig business. It was just a little surprising. Sorta like a used car dealer in Japan (or anywhere else), who has never heard of "Toyota".

 

[Recycled Roadkill]

Try asking them if they know who Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus are. Just for the heck of it.

 

[meanckz]

Try asking them if they know who Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus are. Just for the heck of it.

they'll know

 

[milescadre]

they probably dont know or care because it doesnt impact their profit margins. Its like if I asked you "do you know who patented the first 4 cycle engine?" you probably dont know, but also dont care cuz you turn that magic key and the car goes vroom vroom =P

Heck, I built my engine and dont care about the history as much. I mean, its interesting, but it doesnt help me shave time off my passes =T

 

[edyle]

I don't think it was a language issue, because I also showed them pictures of Mr. Lik (with e-cig in hand of course) as well as describing him. I think it may be that the people I spoke with were just very likely new to the e-cig business. It was just a little surprising. Sorta like a used car dealer in Japan (or anywhere else), who has never heard of "Toyota".

What? There's not Hon Lik ecig; why would anybody know the name. I don't even know who it is supposed to be.

 

[Vapor Vinny]

Ask them if they know who Pedro Carvalho is. They should, since they're stealing money from him.

 

[Arnie H]

I guess for me being a history buff, and knowing that the Chinese virtually invented the E-cig, its sorta like asking the Pope who "Jesus" was and then hearing a person, regarded as the "Vicar of Christ", respond that he did not know, when the question is posed in Italian, Latin, and/or Greek. Talk about mind blowing. Lotta questions would then enter my mind:

1. Could the pontiff be playing a practical joke?
2. Have I taken leave of my senses?
3. Have I entered a strange parallel universe?

 

[FourWinds]

Bit of a shame I think; I know the name now; perhaps everyone will know it in a few more years time. I read someplace that he didn't make any cash to speak of; I wouldn't mind throwing a bit of tangible gratitude his way if anyone knows of a donation site or anything.