Practicing Cultural Humility by Using Actionable Steps for Improving Name Pronunciation and Use

Abstract

Name spelling and pronunciation are connected to multiple social classifications such as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and presumed language skills. Individuals with names that do not conform to dominant norms may experience exclusion, discrimination, ridicule, and stigmatization. Having one's name mispronounced, derided, changed, or avoided can have a lasting effect on how an individual sees themselves and the rest of society. Name mispronunciation also has the potential to create breakdowns in teams and communities, including those in the workplace and educational environments. Proper name pronunciation can promote feelings of belonging and psychological safety in the learning environment, promoting team formation, development, and entitativity. Strategies can be employed to improve name pronunciation and acceptance of name spellings, thus reducing associated inequities in the workplace and differential treatment in education. At the organizational level strategies can be implemented to improve name pronunciation and acceptance of name spellings, as well as to minimize intentional and unintentional othering, de-racialization, microaggressions, and othering. Herein, we describe techniques for honoring and respecting name preference and pronunciation by improving self-awareness and implementing strategies on a personal, classroom, and organizational level.

Keywords: Belonging; Cultural humility; DEIA; Inclusion; Name Pronunciations.