The Power of a Name: Getting Pronunciations Right

Vivian Acquah, CDE® • Aug 28, 2023

Recently, I attended an event that left a profound impact on me. Amidst the myriad conversations and presentations, one particular recitation stood out. It was a powerful poem by Warsan Shire.

"Give your daughters difficult names.
Names that command the full use of the tongue.

My name makes you want to tell me the truth.
My name does not allow me to trust anyone
who cannot pronounce it right."

—Warsan Shire

I later noticed Assétou Xango's spoken word, which hits the nails when it comes to the power of a name. Her poem emphasizes a name's emotional weight and how mispronouncing a name can be a subtle form of disrespect.

A link to our identity

Xango's poem resonates with many of us with unique or less common names. A name is not just a label; it's a part of our identity, a link to our heritage, and a reflection of our individuality. When someone mispronounces your name, it can feel like a small part of your identity is being dismissed or overlooked. My last name, Acquah, has been butchered so many times while it is a fancier version of writing the word Aqua.

Professional Settings

In professional settings, it is crucial to pronounce names correctly. Names are among the first pieces of information we learn about someone. They serve as the foundation of our relationship with them. When we try to pronounce a person's name correctly, it signals respect and acknowledgment of their individuality. Conversely, consistently mispronouncing a name can create distance and signal disregard, even if unintentional.

LinkedIn Inclusive Say My Name Feature

LinkedIn, one of the world's largest professional networking platforms, recognized this issue and introduced a feature that allows users to record the pronunciation of their names. This simple yet effective tool allows users to educate others on the correct pronunciation of their names, promoting understanding and respect in professional interactions.

Here are some steps each of us can take to ensure we're honoring people's names:

Ask and Listen: When you meet someone for the first time, ask them how to pronounce their name and listen attentively. Be reassured to ask them to repeat it if you don't get it immediately.
Practice: If a name is unfamiliar to you, take the time to practice it. Repetition helps with memory and pronunciation.
Utilize Technology: Use features like LinkedIn's 'Say My Name' feature to learn the correct pronunciation of names.
Apologize and Correct Mistakes: We all make mistakes. If you mispronounce someone's name, apologize and ask for the correct pronunciation again. Show that you value getting it right.
Spread Awareness: If you hear someone else mispronouncing a name, gently correct them. This encourages a culture of respect and inclusivity.

Conclusion

In the words of Assétou Xango, "Say our names...We are deserving of your respect." Taking the time to learn and correctly pronounce someone's name is a small act with a big impact. It's a sign of respect, a way to foster positive relationships, and a step towards creating a more inclusive society.

via GIPHY

Let's consciously try to get names right, utilizing tools like LinkedIn's 'Say My Name' feature, and pave the way for more respectful and meaningful interactions. After all, a person's name is the sweetest sound to them in any language. Let's honor that.

About Vivian Acquah, CDE®

Passionate and driven, Vivian Acquah CDE® is making an impact on the world of workplace wellness and DEI. As the Inclusive Workplace Wellness Advocate/ Certified Diversity Executive, Vivian is devoted to making the topics of workplace wellness and DEI more accessible for everyone.

With a name that literally translates to 'water,' Vivian has become an extinguisher of fires related to DEI, providing clients such as Heineken, LinkedIn, Google, Indeed, Deloitte, TIBCO, Cargill, Swift, Acrolinx, KLM and Zalando with tangible strategies for embracing inclusive changes.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Share this article!

Disclaimer: Content on this blog is authored by multiple sources. While we do make every attempt to proofread and fact-check, unless authored our staff, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of The Society for Diversity and the Institute for Diversity Certification.