In light of the tragic Atlanta shooting that claimed the lives of six Korean women, many are seeking ways to support the AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) community. While numerous initiatives exist, not everyone has the means to contribute financially. One fundamental yet impactful action you can take is making a conscious effort to pronounce Asian names correctly. This may seem straightforward, but a surprising number of individuals do not put in the effort needed. Mispronouncing someone’s name can lead to unnecessary emotional distress.
Dr. Maya Patel, a psychologist at the Central City Medical Center and an adjunct professor at City University, emphasizes that microaggressions related to names are a specific aspect of a broader issue. These microaggressions can manifest as assigning nicknames without consent, making assumptions based on a name, or mocking cultural elements associated with it. Dr. Patel’s research focuses on the impact of these microaggressions, particularly for individuals with South Asian names, stemming from her own experiences as a child.
“From a young age, it was my responsibility to ensure my white teachers felt comfortable, rather than them taking the time to learn how to pronounce my name accurately,” she shared with an online publication.
Dr. Liam Chen, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Toronto, also investigates the significance of ethnic name pronunciation. He agrees with Dr. Patel that consistently mispronouncing an ethnic name serves as a form of microaggression, signaling that the individual is of little importance. Failing to learn how to pronounce someone’s name correctly can convey a lack of respect for their identity.
If you’re uncertain about how to pronounce someone’s name, that’s perfectly normal—we can’t all know every name. However, it’s essential to make an effort. Simply asking the individual how to pronounce their name correctly is a great place to start. You don’t need to apologize profusely for not knowing; they likely have encountered this scenario before. Make sure to avoid projecting your guilt onto them. If you happen to forget, just ask again! Most people appreciate the effort to learn.
Dr. Patel notes that her study participants often feel that those around them struggle with the cultural nuances of their names, particularly pronunciation and spelling. Many reported that their most challenging interactions were with authority figures, such as teachers and company leaders. “For many, introducing themselves has been a source of anxiety throughout their lives,” she explains. Some individuals even choose to modify their names to avoid inconveniencing those in power or to feel more comfortable socially.
Asian individuals shouldn’t feel pressured to change their names to fit in. Unfortunately, this happens frequently. Recent studies by Dr. Chen reveal that nearly half of Chinese international students in the U.S. have opted for Anglicized names. He reported to a news outlet that adopting an Anglo name often correlates with lower self-esteem, adversely affecting overall well-being. I recall classmates who used Westernized versions of their names; at the time, I didn’t think much of it, but as an adult, it frustrates me to realize they felt compelled to alter their identities for others’ comfort.
Nicknames can be particularly problematic. For those with Asian names, nicknames often come with emotional baggage. While some may choose a nickname to simplify interactions, many find themselves with names assigned without their consent—a form of microaggression that diminishes their identity.
It’s essential never to assign a nickname to someone with an Asian name without their permission. Make a genuine effort to learn their given name first. You can gently inquire if they have a preferred name. Always follow their lead regarding what they wish to be called. Some individuals may have a modified version of their name, but it is your responsibility to confirm their preference. Remember, not everyone will advocate for themselves in this regard, so it’s crucial to respect their wishes.
Similarly, many with Asian names often adapt their names in written form to alleviate discomfort for others. Research indicates that around half of Asian and Black job applicants modify their names on resumes to remove ethnic identifiers. Those who choose to “whiten” their names are statistically more likely to receive callbacks than those who do not.
As a Black woman with an Arabic name, I can relate to the experiences of those with Asian names. Throughout my pre-teen years, I wished for a more conventional name that was easier to pronounce. The anxiety associated with having a name that people struggle with is all too familiar. I often experienced teachers stammering over my name during roll call, and while I would laugh it off, I secretly wished to disappear.
Former teacher Aisha Martinez shares strategies for educators dealing with students with diverse ethnic names. She suggests practicing pronunciation in advance if possible, utilizing available resources to learn the correct pronunciations. Creating interactive activities can also help ease the discomfort of mispronouncing names.
In today’s world, there’s no excuse for mispronouncing Asian names. Numerous resources exist to help with pronunciation, and if all else fails, asking respectfully is always an option. Correctly pronouncing someone’s name demonstrates respect and acknowledgment of their identity. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, so if you can make an effort to pronounce English names correctly, you should apply the same effort to Asian names.
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- How to pronounce Asian names
- Support for the AAPI community
- Microaggressions and name pronunciation
- Understanding ethnic names
- The importance of name respect
In summary, making an effort to pronounce Asian names correctly is a powerful way to show solidarity with the Asian community. It demonstrates respect for individual identities and helps combat microaggressions that many face daily. By taking the time to learn and ask about names, we foster a more inclusive and understanding environment for everyone.