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by restalis 4375 days ago
I read here comments about personal experiences with mispronounced names and how this is looked upon as having little or no importance. I'm shocked. The name is the first and foremost part of one's identity. Why would it be acceptable to be corrupted for someone's convenience? It's like "...look, I don't fancy your name much, so I shall call you [...]! It's fine with you, right?" I may keep quiet in response, for not having much control over how I'm being called, but no - it is not and it should not be "fine". It's just about the first modicum of mutual respect as interlocutors.

The world gets globalized, so please -- when come in contact with the folks living outside your courtyard, be prepared to accept at least some small self-change as consequence.

2 comments

Why would it be acceptable to be corrupted for someone's convenience?

It's for my convenience too. People have been getting my first name wrong for my entire life. It's easier just to let it go, or when the situation allows just use a fake name. I have to pick my battles, this one is often a fruitless waste of energy. The number of people I care get it right is a small circle.

If someone gets your name wrong , you correct them if you care. It's only disrespect if that person continues to mispronounce your name. And even in that case, the person may have a mental factuality defect and mean no malice. This site is ridiculous and so is your justification. Being stern about your name is such an egotistical attitude
It's only disrespect if that person continues to mispronounce your name.

I agree. When I present myself, I pronounce my name. Most of the time people people just follow and it feels like a courtesy at best, but there are cases when there's this attitude of entitlement to rename you, and that you are the one that should follow.

the person may have a mental factuality defect and mean no malice.

I haven't suggested to be necessarily malice from the mispronouncers. It may be lack of... many things that become desirable in a globalized society.

This site is ridiculous and so is your justification. Being stern about your name is such an egotistical attitude

The site may be ridiculous, but the problem it tries to address feels real to me. You may not perceive it to be a problem because either you haven't a name that can be easily contorted, or because you have different values in your life. I care about my name and I only ask the same care from others, the same way I try my best to reciprocate that kind of respect when I'm being asked.