Comments on: What kinda name is THAT?

By: sylvie

sylvie — Tue, 13 May 2008 17:39:54 +0000

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.

By: gabriela63

gabriela63 — Mon, 12 May 2008 10:10:17 +0000

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.

By: CJsDaddy

CJsDaddy — Sat, 10 May 2008 02:35:07 +0000

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.

By: pinkpoppies

pinkpoppies — Sat, 10 May 2008 01:47:30 +0000

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

By: sinoangle

sinoangle — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:21:54 +0000

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.

By: angela

angela — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:45:38 +0000

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.

By: Mer

Mer — Fri, 09 May 2008 15:24:28 +0000

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.