Part 2: Pronouncing Names... Kind of a Big Deal

1. Even this year I have 2 students with nicknames as opposed to their given names. One of the students just goes by the first letter of her first name and she told me "That is what I do because no one can pronounce it, everyone just calls me that." I accepted that without much thought. As someone who prides themselves on making the effort, I now see this as an error. At the end of class on Monday I will pull the student aside and make sure I make an additional note on the correct pronunciation of their name. The second student goes by their middle name, and they told me they actually prefer it. I followed up with saying I will call you what YOU prefer, don't make it easy for me. So I see how I was a bit inconsistent in my approach with 2 students with very similar names. I think I just accepted that the first student told me that is what everyone does, and that is my error to correct. 
2. I touched on this in the last post, but I tell the students on the first day of school how important it is to me that I pronounce names correctly, and I realize I struggle with it. I would love for them to help with me it by holding me accountable by correcting me if I mispronounce it. That can be in class or after class. I never want to just assume it is correct. I also make notes on the roster I print on how to pronounce them :)

1.     What do you Think??  REFLECT: Do you recall a student who had a “nickname” given because others’ couldn’t pronounce it?  What was the effect?  What are your thoughts about the Hollywood story provided?

I have had many students who ask to be called a nickname.  Sometimes it seems as through they preferred the nickname, I never considered it as a negative to people having issues pronouncing it but now I will be more in tune to it.  I honestly just went with the student's wishes and never questioned it.

As for the hollywood issue on Ryan Secrest calling the actress with a difficult name “Little Q”, I found this very disturbing.  I never knew this about him and I feel like it has totally changed the way I view him.  I never realized how people will make an effort to pronounce names correctly of white actors or actresses with difficult names versus actors of color with difficult names. This is just heart breaking and unacceptable.

2.     Now What??  OPPORTUNITY TO GROW: What steps can you take in your class or school that will show respect and honor toward one or more of your students?

Like I mentioned before, take the time even outside of class to have the student pronounce their name for you so that you don't create a side show in front of the class.... have a clipboard with their names written phonetically.

1.     What do you Think??  REFLECT: Do you recall a student who had a “nickname” given because others’ couldn’t pronounce it?  What was the effect?  What are your thoughts about the Hollywood story provided?I have had many students who ask to be called a nickname.  They have never expressed, nor have I pushed, to see if this is because others have trouble or if they just prefer this name.  When I use the nickname these students tend to seem more comfortable that I listened.  This is my impression.  But it also tends to generate questions and unwanted attention from the class for a short period. I do feel bad personally using the nicknames because I feel they are doing it and using it more to make me feel comfortable, than me making them feel comfortable.  But at the same time I try to respect their wishes.  As for the Hollywood story provided on Ryan Secrest calling the actress with a difficult name “Little Q”, I found this very disturbing.  I have noticed the use of shortening names used in Hollywood, but I never noticed the disparity between how much it is done for people of color with difficult names versus white actors with difficult names.  This gives the impression that you are not worth the time it takes to learn your proper pronunciation. This is heart breaking and I feel badly that I never noticed the bigotry that so blatantly exists in this realm.  

2.     Now What??  OPPORTUNITY TO GROW: What steps can you take in your class or school that will show respect and honor toward one or more of your students?The speaker in the podcasts offers some simple steps to grow and make sure that you are growing as a calibrator and create a positive and welcoming environment.  Her steps include a personal discussion and simply asking the name properly.  Seeking out students outside the classroom to check in with your progress.  Create clues on attendance list/seating chart to keep reminding self and correcting errors.  And just keep trying!