❓What’s in a name⁉️
Last week I had a conversation with a couple planning to move to Canada. At the end of the conversation I asked his wife for her name. I pronounced it and asked if I had said it correctly. She said that not many people can pronounce her name so she always ask them to call her ‘Bobsi’. Bobsi was a part of her last name. I asked her why, and she said because it was easier for people to pronounce.
We had a good discussion around names and pronunciations and at the end, I suggested that before she moves to Canada, she should get into the habit of identifying herself by her first name since that’s her preference.
That conversation prompted me to write this post. It was also a reminder that my own daughter, whose first name means “Beautiful Princess”, has resorted to using her other name, Victoriya, because not many people pronounce her name properly, she says. I have seen her cringe that happens, and remind her that we were thinking of a beautiful princess when we named her! 😅
For all those whose names don’t sound like “Daisy” (not ‘Daisey’, by the way), your name is more than just a label; it’s a badge of honour, a cultural emblem that ties you to your roots. In a world where English names often take center stage, embracing and being proud of your non-English name is an empowering act of self-affirmation. Your name is not just a sequence of syllables; it’s the essence of your identity.
Non-English names may come with the challenge of being mispronounced, but rather than conforming to what’s convenient for others, take pride in guiding others to pronounce it correctly.
Correcting the pronunciation becomes an act of education, a cultural exchange, an opportunity to share the richness of your heritage. Each syllable carries a story, a history, and by teaching others to pronounce your name, you contribute to a more diverse and inclusive world.
Choosing to keep your name intact is a statement that asserts your right to be seen and heard on your terms. Shortening or altering your name should be a personal choice, a reflection of your identity, not a concession to fit in.
I have been asked by many job seekers if they should anglicize their name for job search purposes, and I always ask “Why?” The answer is usually that their resume might not be selected because of it, and that is true in many cases, but “Why?”
In a global society that thrives on diversity, let your name be a beacon of uniqueness. Celebrate it, cherish it, and wear it with pride. Your name is not just a collection of letters; it’s a symbol that tells a story of who you are.
And for those of us who like to use the easy route, please don’t ask people if you can shorten their name for your convenience. Be respectful. A bit of practice will have you pronouncing the name correctly in a short name.
While this post was scheduled, my friend Shelly Elsliger, PPCC, referred to this Harvard article about names: https://bit.ly/3TvBXLR
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Our names matter!
