This article is about the difficulty college administrators have when announcing names at commencement. You know, because of all that diversity. Deans and other commencement speakers now ask students how to pronounce their names:
“Often they say something like, ‘Never mind, it doesn’t matter,’ because they’re so used to having it butchered over the years,” she says.
So … does it matter to you if people mispronounce your name? Have you ever said your name repeatedly for someone who just couldn’t get it?
I was at a commencement a few years back and noted with some annoyance that the ASL translator was spelling the names any old way. Given that he had a program and a listing, you would think he might spell the names correctly.
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May 9, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Mer
I think it is important for people to pronounce people’s names properly. I also have been on the end of the “whatever” and giving up on hoping people pronounce it properly. Spelling is a whole other matter.
I always try to pronounce people’s names properly, and I think it is a respect thing.
May 9, 2008 at 4:45 pm
angela
I’ve got a Polish last name that is actually now misspelled and mispronounced even by my family because of the laziness/ignorance/arrogance of some immigration official two generations ago. I’m pretty touchy about it being pronounced “properly” (i.e., at least pronounce it the way my family does!) and not anglicized to death, which it nearly always is when people first see it. And often the second, third, fourth and beyond times, too. I’ve been “whatever”ed probably 30,000 times in my 30 years on Earth.
Because of this (and because generally like not to be an asshat) I make sure I ask if I’m not sure how to pronounce someone’s name, and I take care to remember it for next time.
May 9, 2008 at 6:21 pm
sinoangle
I systematically correct people who mispronounce my name. I didn’t always do that, but I also think it’s a respect thing.
Therefore, like Mer, I really make an effort to pronounce other people’s names correctly, and apologise if I mispronounce it.
May 10, 2008 at 1:47 am
pinkpoppies
I prefer that people at least try to figure it out first. Failing that, I appreciate it that they ask me how to pronounce my name rather than simply addressing me by my first name as default.
By the way for my commencement, I wrote out the phonetic pronunciations on the card I handed to the ceremony’s marshal. That way everyone could hear how it should be pronounced. There was no way I was going to cross the stage to get my diploma with a mis-pronunciation ringing in my ears. Pink
May 10, 2008 at 2:35 am
CJsDaddy
My last name is quite easy to pronounce - it’s even spelled almost phonetically correct. They actually end up adding something to it that’s not really there, as if they think it can’t be that simple. Doesn’t really bother me toooooo much, but I do find it respectful for someone to ask me how to pronounce it properly.
I really like the fact that when NPR asks for letters, that suggest that their listeners provide help on how to pronounce their names.
May 12, 2008 at 10:10 am
gabriela63
When pronouncing other people’s names in America, I find it’s always best to ask. Proper pronounciation isn’t always someone’s preference. People who don’t speak German or Spanish, or whatever language their names are from, often Americanize their names so it’s almost not recognizable to a native speaker.
May 13, 2008 at 5:39 pm
sylvie
my name has mystified people (in spelling and pronunciation) ever since i’ve been able to verbally identify myself, which i don’t quite get since it’s very similar to the common name “sylvia.” i can’t help but think my asian last name and appearance throws people off. i picture them saying, “ooh, this must be some exotic name that i can’t possibly wrap my tongue around!”
or they end up calling me sylvia. or sophie.
bastards.