In light of the tragic events in Atlanta that claimed the lives of six Korean women, many have been seeking ways to uplift the AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) community. While there are numerous initiatives available, there are also simple actions you can take if financial contributions aren’t feasible. One of the most fundamental ways to show respect and support is by making a genuine effort to pronounce Asian names correctly. It may seem straightforward, yet many people overlook the importance of this effort, leading to unnecessary emotional distress for those affected.
Understanding the Impact of Name-Based Microaggressions
Dr. Ravi Gupta, a psychologist at the Manhattan VA Medical Center and an adjunct professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, highlights the impact of name-based microaggressions. These can manifest as assigning nicknames without permission, making assumptions based on a person’s name, and teasing related to cultural aspects. Much of Dr. Gupta’s research focuses on these microaggressions, particularly affecting individuals with South Asian names. She reflects on her own childhood experiences, stating that she often felt compelled to make her teachers feel comfortable instead of the other way around.
Similarly, Mei Lin, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto, studies the significance of ethnic name pronunciation. Like Dr. Gupta, Lin argues that consistently mispronouncing ethnic names is a microaggression that conveys a message of insignificance. When individuals don’t take the time to learn how to pronounce someone’s name correctly, it can make that person feel undervalued.
Making the Effort to Learn
If you find yourself unsure about how to pronounce someone’s name, rest assured that it’s perfectly okay not to know. The key is to make an effort. Simply ask the individual how to pronounce their name correctly—there’s no need to overly apologize for not knowing. They likely have encountered this situation before. However, just because they approach it with grace doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make an effort. If you forget later, just ask again; most people appreciate the genuine attempt to learn.
Dr. Gupta notes that her research participants often reported that people struggle with the cultural nuances of their names, particularly in authority figures like teachers and executives. For many, introducing themselves became a source of anxiety, leading some to change their names to avoid inconveniencing others. This is a frequent occurrence among Asian individuals who feel pressured to adapt their names for comfort.
The Consequences of Anglicization
Research indicates that nearly half of Chinese international students in the U.S. have adopted Anglicized names, which can correlate with lower self-esteem and well-being. This is a troubling trend, as many individuals feel compelled to change their names to accommodate others. It’s important to note that Asian individuals should not feel obligated to alter their names for acceptance.
Nicknames can present a unique challenge for individuals with Asian names, often being assigned without consent. This practice can be a painful microaggression, as it disregards the cultural significance of their names. It is essential to refrain from giving someone a nickname without their permission. Instead, take the time to learn their given name and ask if they have a preferred name.
Broader Societal Issues
Just as some individuals might adjust their names on resumes to eliminate ethnic markers—often resulting in a higher likelihood of callbacks—many people may alter their names for ease of communication. This reflects broader societal issues regarding name recognition and respect.
As someone who has faced similar challenges with my own Arabic name, I understand the discomfort that comes with having a name that is often mispronounced. Experiences of anxiety surrounding name pronunciation can be all too familiar.
Strategies for Educators
Former teacher Priya Sharma suggests strategies for adults in educational settings to address this issue, such as practicing pronunciations beforehand or creating engaging activities that help students feel comfortable sharing their names.
Conclusion
At this point, there is no reason for anyone to mispronounce Asian names. Resources are available to help, and if you’re ever in doubt, simply ask. Correctly pronouncing someone’s name is a powerful way to show respect. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, so if you can make the effort to pronounce an Anglicized name, you can certainly do the same for Asian names.
Further Reading
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Summary: To support the Asian community, learning to pronounce Asian names correctly is crucial. Mispronunciation can lead to feelings of disrespect and undervaluation. Individuals should make an effort to ask about pronunciations and avoid assigning nicknames without consent. This simple act can foster respect and dignity for those with ethnic names.