Since the tragic events in Atlanta that claimed the lives of six Korean women, many have been seeking ways to support the AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) community. While numerous initiatives exist, there are additional actions you can take if financial contributions aren’t feasible. One fundamental way to demonstrate respect and solidarity is by making a genuine effort to pronounce Asian names correctly. It may seem straightforward, yet many individuals do not put forth enough effort, and mispronouncing someone’s name can lead to unnecessary emotional distress.
Dr. Aditi Patel, a psychologist at the City Medical Center and an adjunct professor at the University of Chicago, highlights that name-based microaggressions are a distinct category of a broader issue. Such microaggressions can include giving a nickname without consent, making assumptions based on a person’s name, and teasing related to cultural aspects of their names. Dr. Patel’s research focuses on name-based microaggressions, particularly for individuals with South Asian names, a topic inspired by her own childhood experiences. She recalls, “From a young age, my role was to ease the discomfort of my predominantly white teachers rather than them making an effort to learn my name.”
Similarly, Jamie Lin, a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University, studies ethnic name pronunciation. Like Dr. Patel, Lin asserts that the consistent mispronunciation of ethnic names acts as a microaggression, conveying a message that the individual is of little importance. Failing to learn someone’s name properly can make them feel undervalued.
If you’re uncertain about how to pronounce a name, that’s completely normal; no one knows everything. The important part is to make an effort to learn. You can simply ask the person how to pronounce their name correctly and avoid over-apologizing for not knowing. They likely have dealt with this before, and your sincere effort will be appreciated. If you forget, don’t hesitate to ask again; they will appreciate your commitment to learning.
Dr. Patel notes that her study participants often felt that others struggled with the cultural nuances of their names, including pronunciation and spelling. Many expressed that their most challenging interactions occurred with authority figures like teachers and employers. “For them, introducing themselves became filled with anxiety and dread,” she explains. Some resorted to altering their names to ease the burden on others, while others did it for their own comfort in social settings.
Individuals with Asian names should not feel pressured to change them for acceptance. However, research from Lin indicates that nearly half of Chinese international students in U.S. colleges have adopted Anglicized versions of their names, which can negatively impact their self-esteem and overall well-being. It’s disheartening to reflect on how often I encountered classmates who modified their names to suit others’ comfort, a troubling reality that deserves recognition.
Nicknames, especially those assigned without consent, can also lead to discomfort. While creating a nickname for oneself can be a personal choice, many with Asian names find themselves receiving forced nicknames as a way to sidestep the difficulty of their original names. This practice is a clear microaggression, as it disregards their identity.
It’s crucial to never assign a nickname to someone with an Asian name unless you have their approval. Make an effort to learn their given name first, then gently inquire if they have a preferred name. Respect their preferences regarding what name they wish to be called, as they may not always advocate for themselves.
In addition to adapting their spoken names, many with Asian names alter their written names for professional reasons. Research from Stanford and the University of Toronto indicates that almost half of Asian and Black job applicants choose names devoid of ethnic identifiers on their resumes. Those who “whiten” their names often have double the chances of receiving callbacks compared to those who don’t.
As a woman of color with an Arabic name, I understand the challenges faced by individuals with Asian names. Throughout my youth, I often wished for a more common name that was easier to pronounce. The anxiety surrounding my name was a familiar feeling; I can still recall teachers stumbling over it during roll call. The laughter I forced in response masked a deep desire to vanish in those moments.
In an article for Education Week, former educator Maya Desai emphasizes steps educators can take to properly address students with diverse ethnic names. She suggests preparing in advance when possible, utilizing resources to learn pronunciations, and incorporating engaging methods, like call-and-response activities, to build comfort around name pronunciation.
Today, there’s no excuse for mispronouncing Asian names. Numerous resources are available to assist with this, and when in doubt, asking is always a good option. Pronouncing an Asian person’s name correctly is a fundamental way to show respect and recognition. Everyone deserves to feel valued, and if we can make an effort to pronounce Anglicized names, we can certainly extend the same courtesy to Asian names.
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Summary
Properly pronouncing Asian names is an essential way to show solidarity with the AAPI community. Mispronunciations can lead to emotional distress, and efforts should be made to learn and respect individuals’ names. Engaging in this practice not only fosters respect but also promotes understanding and acceptance in a diverse society.