1. I do recall instances where I've been substitute teaching and a student told me that the teacher or other students called them by a nickname or shortened version of their name. I would ask what they wanted me to call them, how to pronounce their name and tried hard to get it right. It happened only twice and both times, the student lit up. I was almost in tears because I could tell what it meant to the student that someone tried.
I think the Hollywood story is sad, dismissive and disrespectful. I think announcers like Seacrest should do the research to get the names right instead of shortening a name they can't pronounce it or its hard. That's when you do the research. If you can't ask her directly, as someone close to her.
2. In my own classes, I ask students how to pronounce their names, especially for my ENL students. I ask what they prefer to go by and repeat/practice it until I get it right. The smile I get in return are priceless.
I think the Hollywood story is sad, dismissive and disrespectful. I think announcers like Seacrest should do the research to get the names right instead of shortening a name they can't pronounce it or its hard. That's when you do the research. If you can't ask her directly, as someone close to her.
2. In my own classes, I ask students how to pronounce their names, especially for my ENL students. I ask what they prefer to go by and repeat/practice it until I get it right. The smile I get in return are priceless.