This is not a post about creativity, design, or teaching. It is about identity.
Despite, been borne and raised in a Spanish-speaking country, my parents chose an Irish (also commonly used in Australia) name – Sheila – and to use its English pronunciation; that is “Sheelagh.” It means Sky and also carries special meaning for my family. Unfortunately, my name has been a source of confusion for everyone – and frustration for me – since I can recall. (I often change my name when ordering food in Argentina to avoid having to repeat it 10 times!)
My family, close friends, and me always use the correct English pronunciation. However, most Spanish-speaking people (and perhaps people from other cultures unfamiliar with the name) play it back mispronouncing it in Spanish or in other creative ways. Their assumption is that because my mother tongue is Spanish, my name must be pronounced in that language.
Similarly, the spelling of my name also seems to generate confusion. The image shows the many written permutations of my name that I have encountered in my life from interactions with friends, colleagues, students, and even when giving my name after ordering a coffee. Both, its pronunciation and spelling, seem to produce some sort of cognitive dissonance to the extent that people don’t know how to write it or say it correctly.
While living in Argentina and Spain, I tried to ignore the constant mispronunciations of my name. But, while in the UK, I did not experience any of these issues with my name, which made me be more assertive when talking about who I am or introducing myself to a new group of people. This also made me realized how much it actually bother me when people repeatedly change or unintentionally mispronounce my name. Our name defines us and provides a sense of belonging to the world, a culture, or a community. When our names are altered, it affects our identity, because it is a misrepresentation of who we are, and to an extent, it challenges who we are.
My ongoing experience correcting mispronunciations of my name has made me more mindful about how I pronounce the names of other people. Today, more than ever, we are all connected, we daily engage in cross-cultural interactions, and interact with highly diverse communities. We meet many people with different languages and ethnicities, which demands everyone to be more aware and respectful of the other person’s identity.
This is particularly essential in the education context to help students develop a sense of belonging and embrace their identity. As I struggle remembering words (I’m a numbers person!), the first time I meet a new student or colleague, I am proactive in asking them how their name is pronounced or how they would prefer to be called. Breaking with assumptions and mindfully approaching others since day one is the foundation for deeper connections and understanding.
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