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In the wake of tragic events, such as the Atlanta shooting that claimed the lives of six Korean women, many individuals are seeking ways to support the AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) community. While financial contributions are one way to help, there are other meaningful actions you can take, one being the effort to correctly pronounce Asian names. It may seem straightforward, but numerous individuals fail to make a genuine attempt. Mispronouncing someone’s name can lead to unnecessary emotional distress.
Dr. Anisha Patel, a psychologist at Manhattan VA Medical Center and an adjunct lecturer at Columbia University, emphasizes that name-based microaggressions are a distinct aspect of a broader issue. These can include assigning nicknames without consent, making assumptions based on a person’s name, or mocking cultural components of a name. Dr. Patel’s research primarily focuses on name-based microaggressions, particularly those affecting individuals with South Asian names. Her interest stems from her own experiences growing up.
“I felt it was my responsibility to make my White teachers comfortable instead of them taking the time to learn my name correctly,” she shared with Psychology Today.
Similarly, Jason Lee, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Toronto, studies ethnic name pronunciation. He agrees that frequently mispronouncing ethnic names constitutes a form of microaggression. It conveys the message that “you are insignificant.” Regularly mispronouncing a person’s name can make them feel undervalued and overlooked.
If you are uncertain about how to pronounce someone’s name, that’s completely normal. Not everyone knows everything. However, it’s crucial to at least attempt to learn. It doesn’t need to be a major event; simply ask the person how to pronounce their name correctly. There’s no need to apologize profusely for not knowing. Most likely, they’ve encountered this before. However, just because they take it in stride doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make an effort. Avoid projecting your guilt onto them; it doesn’t need to be a big deal. If you forget, don’t hesitate to ask again! They will appreciate your genuine effort to learn.
In conversations with Psychology Today, Dr. Patel noted that participants in her study felt that individuals around them struggled most with the cultural nuances related to their names, including pronunciation and spelling. Many found that their most challenging interactions were with authority figures, such as teachers and executives.
“For these individuals, introducing themselves became a source of anxiety throughout their lives,” she stated. “Some opted to change their names to avoid being an inconvenience to those in power, while others did so for their own comfort in social settings.”
Asian individuals with Asian names shouldn’t feel pressured to alter them. Unfortunately, this happens all too often. Recent studies by Lee indicate that nearly half of Chinese international students in the U.S. have adopted Anglicized versions of their names. He shared with the BBC that this trend often correlates with lower self-esteem and well-being. Reflecting on my own experiences, I recall several Asian classmates who used Westernized versions of their names. At the time, it didn’t register with me, but now, as an adult, I find it disheartening that they felt compelled to change their names for the comfort of others.
Nicknames can also lead to discomfort. While some may choose to create a nickname for ease, many individuals with Asian names receive nicknames imposed on them, often without their consent. This forced renaming can be seen as a significant microaggression.
It goes without saying that you should never assign a nickname to someone with an Asian name without their consent. First, make a committed effort to learn their given name. Then, you can gently inquire if they have a preferred name. Always follow their lead regarding what they wish to be called. Some may have a modified version of their name for simplicity, but it’s crucial to confirm with them what they are comfortable with. Remember, individuals may not always advocate for themselves in this matter, so it’s up to others to ensure their preferences are respected.
Additionally, the trend of adapting names for written forms is common. Research from Stanford University and the University of Toronto reveals that nearly half of Asian and Black job applicants opt to change their names to eliminate ethnic markers. Those who “whitened” their names were twice as likely to receive callbacks compared to those who did not.
As a Black woman with a unique name, I empathize with those who have Asian names. I spent a considerable part of my youth desiring a more conventional name that was easier to pronounce. Having a complex name often leads to a shared set of frustrating experiences. Throughout my childhood, my name became a source of anxiety. I vividly remember teachers hesitating while reading the roll call, often saying, “I’m not sure how to pronounce this,” or “I’m going to mess it up.” While I would chuckle, inside I just wanted to disappear.
In an article for Education Week, former teacher Maya Singh suggests practical steps educators can take when addressing students with diverse ethnic names. She uses her experiences with the mispronunciation of South Asian names for context. She advises practicing pronunciations beforehand, utilizing available resources to learn how to say names correctly. Additionally, she recommends creating playful call-and-response activities to lessen the discomfort of repetition until they can pronounce it accurately.
At this point in time, there is no reason to mispronounce Asian names. Numerous resources are available to guide us. If all else fails, simply ask. Pronouncing someone’s name correctly is a powerful way to show respect. Everyone desires to be treated with dignity. If you can make the effort for an Anglicized name, you can certainly do the same for Asian names.
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In summary, making an effort to correctly pronounce Asian names is a vital form of respect and solidarity with the Asian community. It’s essential to acknowledge the emotional weight that names carry and to foster an environment where everyone feels valued and understood.
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