In the wake of the tragic shooting in Atlanta, where six Korean women lost their lives, many are seeking meaningful ways to support the AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) community. While there are various initiatives available, not everyone may have the means to contribute financially. A fundamental yet powerful way to show respect and solidarity is by making a genuine effort to pronounce Asian names correctly. Although it may seem straightforward, many individuals fail to take this simple step, and mispronouncing a name can lead to significant emotional discomfort.
Dr. Leila Thompson, a psychologist at the Manhattan VA Medical Center and adjunct professor at Columbia University, emphasizes that name-related microaggressions are a specific aspect of a broader issue. These can manifest as assigning a nickname without permission, making assumptions based on a person’s name, or teasing that relates to cultural elements of a name. Dr. Thompson’s research focuses on these microaggressions, particularly concerning South Asian names, rooted in her own childhood experiences.
“From as young as four, I felt the burden of making my predominantly White teachers comfortable instead of them taking the time to learn how to pronounce my name,” she shared with Psychology Today.
Similarly, Dr. Alex Chen, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Toronto, explores the significance of ethnic name pronunciation. He argues that consistent mispronunciation of ethnic names is a form of microaggression that communicates a message of insignificance. When individuals fail to learn how to pronounce someone’s name correctly, it diminishes that person’s sense of value and importance.
If you struggle with pronouncing a name, don’t fret; it’s perfectly normal. The key is to show a willingness to learn. Simply asking the individual how to pronounce their name correctly can go a long way. There’s no need for excessive apologies—most likely, they have faced this situation before. However, just because they might brush it off doesn’t mean you shouldn’t strive to get it right. If you forget, just ask again! They will likely appreciate your genuine effort to learn.
Dr. Thompson notes that participants in her research indicated that the most challenging interactions regarding their names often occurred with authority figures, such as teachers and executives. “For many, introducing themselves became a source of anxiety and dread,” she explained. “Some opted to modify their names to avoid inconveniencing those in power, while others did so for their own comfort in social situations.”
It’s essential for individuals with Asian names to feel that they don’t need to alter their names to fit in, yet this is a common occurrence. Research by Dr. Chen indicates that nearly half of Chinese international students at U.S. colleges have adopted Anglicized versions of their names, often correlating with lower self-esteem and overall well-being.
The issue of nicknames is also complex. For those with Asian names, being given a nickname without consent can be deeply hurtful. Unlike self-created nicknames, which may serve as a means of simplifying communication, imposed nicknames can feel like a form of microaggression, as they often strip individuals of their identities.
Always make an effort to learn and use someone’s given name. If there’s a preferred name, gently inquire about it. It’s crucial to respect their preferences, as not everyone will advocate for themselves in this regard. Similarly, many people with Asian names alter their names in written form for professional purposes. Research has shown that almost half of Asian and Black job applicants choose to remove ethnic markers from their resumes. Those who do are twice as likely to receive a callback than those who retain their original names.
As someone with a unique name, I fully empathize with the struggles faced by those who have Asian names. For years, I wished I had a more common name that was easier to pronounce. The anxiety of introducing myself to new teachers, who often stumbled over my name, was a familiar source of discomfort.
In an article for Education Week, former teacher Maya Patel shares strategies for educators dealing with students who have diverse ethnic names. She suggests practicing pronunciation in advance and even creating games to help normalize the process.
Today, there’s no excuse for mispronouncing Asian names. Resources are widely available, and if in doubt, just ask. Pronouncing someone’s name correctly is a simple yet profound way to show respect. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, so if you can make an effort to pronounce an Anglicized name, you can certainly do the same for Asian names.
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In summary, making an effort to pronounce Asian names correctly is a simple yet impactful way to show support and solidarity with the Asian community. It fosters respect and dignity and can significantly enhance interpersonal connections.