A system for distinguishing names of persons in Chinese, which includes a computer. The computer includes at least an input, an output, a processor, and a memory and storage arrangement. Data is accessible by the processor, including at least names presently being used in Chinese, and name indicators and non-name indicators that respectively indicate probable presence and non-presence of a name. The system also includes software for performing computer processing including identifying names in Chinese text that has been input to the computer for names corresponding to names in the data for names presently being used in Chinese, name indicators, and non-name indicators. The processing includes comparing the location in the Chinese text of identified name indicators and non-name indicators relative to identified names in the text, and if predefined conditions are met, affirming that that an identified name is being used as a name in the text.