Conversation

So, an idea I just had. I was introducing two people i knew to one another.

I told each of them three pieces of information (in an email; orally this would change a bit, see below). The name, pronunciation, and their pronouns.

So...let's say it's two of my friends who are activists. One is Oloseun (she/her), the other Mya (they/them).

"Hi, folks. Oloseun (o-LOtion she/her), meet Mya (MAya, they/them)."

Orally? I'd say the name a second time, to give the pronunciation clearly, and finish with pronouns.

As we move into a world where more and more people from not-solely-anglo-places come into what had been much more white-focused places, it is more important to learn one another's names well. It's basic respect. And it's something anglophones are particularly bad at.

Aim your pronunciation guide at your friend's level and background of linguistic knowledge. If they know IPA, use it. If not, use one that tries to make unique sound markers for a given sound. It doesn't need perfection. Get someone in range, and the other will feel more comfortable correcting them.

Use psych knowledge to help yourself. 🙂