Our names are intrinsically tied to our identity, culture, and sense of self. They’re often the first piece of information we share about ourselves and one of the most frequently used words in our daily lives. Yet, despite their significance, many people experience having their names mispronounced regularly.
A recent article discussing naming in species beyond humans highlights this significance. “For humans, the significance of names is inseparable from concepts of identity and individuality,” the author, Tove Danovich wrote. “We could walk around describing one another with labels—American, woman, child, baker, pedestrian—but people generally don’t like to be addressed or referred to that way. ‘It makes you feel less than human,’ Laurel Sutton, the president of the American Name Society, told me, perhaps because such epithets fail to differentiate an individual from a group.”
The importance of correct name pronunciation is a fundamental aspect of recognizing and respecting an individual’s identity. When we take the time to learn and correctly pronounce someone’s name, we’re acknowledging their unique personhood and cultural background.
A small-scale study at Nottingham University reinforced this. The study, Say My Name: Experiences & Impacts of (Mis)Pronunciation of Students’ Names in Higher Education, found that according to students:
- Staff mispronunciation and name avoidance can demotivate students, hindering their participation and impacting their feelings of belonging in learning environments.
- Constantly having to deal with name mispronunciation and/or misspellings is hard and tedious work.
- For many students, correct pronunciation and/or spelling of their names are issues of respect, equality, and inclusivity.
Why Getting Name Pronunciation Right Matters
Here are five reasons pronouncing names right make a difference:
- It shows respect: Pronouncing someone’s name correctly demonstrates that you value them as individuals and have made an effort to understand and honor their identity.
- It builds inclusion: In diverse environments, such as higher education, correctly pronouncing names fosters a sense of belonging and sends a message that all identities are welcome and valued.
- It enhances communication: Mispronouncing names can create barriers in communication. It may cause annoyance or distraction, hindering effective interaction.
- It boosts confidence: For individuals whose names are often mispronounced, hearing their name said correctly can be affirming and confidence-boosting, especially in professional or academic settings.
- It preserves cultural heritage: Names often carry cultural significance. Pronouncing them correctly helps preserve and celebrate this cultural heritage.
In our increasingly global and diverse world, making an effort to pronounce a person’s name is a small effort that can make a big difference in creating more inclusive, respectful, and connected communities.
You might be surprised at the positive impact simple acts like correct name pronunciation can have. After all, our names are the sweetest sound we can hear – but only when they’re pronounced correctly.
