What happens when your name is “too hard” to pronounce

A brief introduction explaining the significance of names and how mispronouncing them can be a form of microaggression, particularly in professional settings where inclusivity is valued.

Experience:

• Quote: “She really, really acted like I had just come from another country… I really felt like I was so foreign to her.”
  “As much as, you know, my name can be unique… when it’s mispronounced, it sort of stings a bit.”
  A personal narrative highlighting how name-based microaggressions, like mispronouncing or avoiding names, impact individuals' sense of belonging and identity in professional spaces.

Narrative:

Western-centered names are often seen as the norm, and those with non-Western names can feel like outsiders when their names are mispronounced or ignored. Mispronouncing someone's name or asking for an "easier" name perpetuates harmful norms and dismisses the identity of individuals.

This section will discuss:

• How mispronunciations affect individuals’ well-being and identity.

• The significance of making an effort to correctly pronounce names as a show of respect.

• The problem with asking for "Western alternatives" and how this upholds cultural hierarchies.

How We Can Change the Narrative: As an Ally:

• Just Ask: If you’re unsure about a name pronunciation, ask with respect: _“Hi, my name is __. Did I pronounce your name correctly?” This shows care and a willingness to learn.

For Those with Non-Western Names:

• Add Pronunciation to Email Signatures: Include a phonetic breakdown of your name in your email signature.

• Leverage LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn’s feature to record your name’s pronunciation for easy reference by colleagues.

• Record a Pronunciation Video: Share resources like YouTube links that explain the correct pronunciation of your name.

Implement Today:

• Research in Advance: If you're meeting someone with a name unfamiliar to you, spend a few minutes researching its pronunciation online. Taking the time to make an effort shows respect and attentiveness.

• Correct with Care: If someone mispronounces your name, gently correct them. This not only helps them learn but also asserts your identity in the workplace.

Useful Resources:

• The Micropedia of Microaggressions

• Podcast: Brown Table Talk: Why Can’t They Say My Name Correctly?

• Articles:

• "If You Don’t Know How to Say Someone’s Name, Just Ask" (Harvard Business Review)

• "Name Mispronunciations Leave Lasting Impact" (The Standard)

• "Why Getting a Name Right Matters" (BBC Worklife)

Conclusion:

No name is too difficult to pronounce—it’s about the willingness to learn. Taking the time to correctly pronounce someone’s name is an act of respect, and making name corrections helps to reinforce the importance of identity.