When dealing with a foreign personal name, how should one treat a prefix?

When dealing with a foreign personal name, treating a prefix as part of the name is appropriate because prefixes often carry significant meaning and are integral to the identity of the individual. In many cultures, prefixes can denote social status, family relationships, or specific characteristics that are important for proper identification and respect.

For instance, in names like "van Gogh" or "de Gaulle," the prefixes are essential to the proper pronunciation and understanding of the names. Ignoring or treating these prefixes as separate could lead to misfiling or misunderstanding of the individual's name, which is critical in professional and inter-cultural interactions. This approach ensures that names are used correctly in both written and spoken contexts, reflecting respect for cultural differences in naming conventions.