In the wake of tragic events, such as the Atlanta shooting that claimed the lives of six Korean women, many are seeking ways to support the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. While financial contributions are valuable, there are other meaningful actions you can take. A fundamental step in showing respect and solidarity is to learn how to pronounce Asian names correctly. It may seem like a basic concept, but many individuals do not put forth sufficient effort, and mispronouncing someone’s name can lead to unnecessary emotional distress.
Dr. Priya Patel, a psychologist at the Downtown VA Medical Center and an adjunct professor at City University, highlights that microaggressions related to names are a specific manifestation of a broader issue. These can include assigning nicknames without consent, making assumptions based on a person’s name, and ridiculing cultural aspects of names. Her interest in this topic stems from her own experiences growing up, where she often felt the burden of making her peers comfortable rather than them learning to pronounce her name correctly.
Similarly, Dr. Max Chen, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Alberta, studies the significance of ethnic name pronunciation. He argues that consistently mispronouncing a name can be a subtle form of microaggression, conveying the message that a person is less important. Taking the time to learn how to pronounce someone’s name not only demonstrates care but also affirms their identity.
If you’re uncertain about how to pronounce a name, it’s perfectly okay to ask. You don’t need to overly apologize; most people understand and appreciate the effort. Just remember to avoid projecting guilt onto the other person. If you forget, simply ask again! They will likely appreciate your sincere attempt to learn.
Dr. Patel’s research reveals that many individuals with culturally unique names often feel anxious in situations where they have to introduce themselves, particularly to authority figures like teachers and managers. Some resort to altering their names to avoid inconveniencing others, which can lead to feelings of self-doubt and discomfort.
It’s disheartening that many Asian individuals feel pressured to change their names to fit in. Research from Dr. Chen shows that nearly half of Chinese international students in the U.S. opt for Anglicized versions of their names, often correlating with lower self-esteem. Reflecting on my own experiences growing up, I remember classmates who adopted Western names, and it pains me to think they felt compelled to do so for the comfort of others.
Nicknames can also be a source of distress. Often, individuals with Asian names find themselves receiving nicknames imposed by others without their consent. This act, while seemingly innocuous, can be deeply hurtful and is a form of microaggression. Always make an effort to learn a person’s actual name and inquire if they prefer an alternative.
In addition to adjusting their names verbally, many Asian individuals adapt their names in written contexts. Studies show that a significant number of job applicants from Asian and Black backgrounds alter their names on resumes to avoid ethnic markers, and those who do are twice as likely to receive callbacks.
As someone with a unique name, I relate to the challenges faced by those with Asian names. Throughout my childhood, my name often brought anxiety, especially during roll call when teachers hesitated, leading to a mix of humor and internal dread.
Former educator Tanya Singh shares valuable tips for teachers on how to handle names effectively, emphasizing the importance of preparation and practice. Creating engaging activities can ease the discomfort of learning new names.
In today’s world, there’s no excuse for mispronouncing Asian names. Resources are readily available to assist in learning, and if unsure, simply ask. Correctly pronouncing a name is a profound way to show respect and recognition for an individual’s identity.
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Summary
Understanding and correctly pronouncing Asian names is a vital way to show solidarity with the AAPI community. It not only reflects respect but also acknowledges the cultural significance behind names. Mispronunciation can cause emotional distress and perpetuate microaggressions. Engaging with individuals about their names and making an effort to learn demonstrates genuine support and fosters a more inclusive society.