BAME in Property signs up to Race Equality Network's #MyNameIs campaign
Please note that this article was published prior to the new brand name of PREACH Inclusion® on 25 April 2024, so you will notice references to BAME in Property.
To mark Race Equality Week (7-13th February), BAME in Property signed up to Race Equality Network's #MyNameIs campaign.
Research conducted by the Race Equality Network found that 73% of respondents from more than 100 organisations had their names mispronounced. 88% of respondents thought a phonetic name spelling campaign would help tackle race inequality.
But why does this matter?
Your name is your identity. It represents your culture, heritage and family connections. Getting someone's name right is respecting this and their differences, and giving them a sense of belonging.
Intentionally getting someone's name wrong or shortening it to make it easier to pronounce shows lack of respect and can make someone feel uncomfortable. Over time, many people stop correcting mispronounced names simply to fit in. Read more about our committee member Bhavini Shah's experience here.
Let's stop this.
The solution
Race Equality Matters #MyNameIs campaign, is a simple but highly impactful solution to ensure everyone pronounces people’s names correctly.
The Campaign calls to normalise phonetic spelling in your email signature, meetings, name badges and more.
How to get it right?
- Ask the person to pronounce it. and actively listen. Rather than try to say a name you are unfamiliar with, ask the person how to pronounce it.
- Don't make it a big deal. Once you have heard the correct pronunciation, thank them and move on. Don’t focus on how unfamiliar you are with their name.
- Observe and practise. Make an effort to hear how someone pronounces their name to other people, even if you have heard it before. Check if you are introducing them in a public forum and practise.
- Clarify again. If you meet someone again after a while it’s fine to check how you should pronounce their name.
- Do something when you realise you’ve been mispronouncing it. Apologise when you get it wrong, as soon as you realise.
- Be an ally. If you hear someone mispronouncing a colleague's name, when they are not around, step in and correct them gently. 7. Don't be arrogant of flippant. Don't say "I'll never get it right," or not listen when you are corrected.
Will you become part of the #MyNameIs movement?