Why Names Matter: Accurate Pronunciation Signals Inclusion and Respect

I will never stop stressing this point: please learn the names of the people you interact with!

When someone says our name correctly, we feel addressed, seen, and valued.

A few years ago an ESL/EAL expert claimed that teachers don’t need to be able to pronounce their students’ names. I spent a great deal of time (and energy!) proving the opposite. And just recently I had the chance to convince another colleague of the same truth. Honestly, I still find it puzzling why many educators and staff members do not regard proper name pronunciation as essential, even though they encounter these individuals day in and day out.

Correct use of a person’s name is a fundamental tool for building a positive teacher–student relationship, which in turn forms the basis for successful learning. Yet, in practice this issue still receives far too little priority, despite being crucial for the well‑being and dignity of the people involved.

Repeated mispronunciations, especially after a correction, can be experienced as micro‑aggressions, leading to feelings of shame, anxiety, exclusion, or the sense of not belonging.

Therefore: when teachers pronounce students’ names correctly, they foster an inclusive classroom climate, boost children’s self‑esteem, and can positively influence academic performance.

And, as a side note, what holds true in schools applies equally to every workplace and social setting.

1. Take a moment to listen. Ask students or colleagues how they prefer their name spoken and repeat it back (until you get it right!)
2. Write it down phonetically. Keep a small notebook or digital note with each name’s pronunciation guide.
3. Model respect. Encourage peers to do the same and gently correct mispronunciations when they happen.
4. Reflect on impact. Notice how a simple correct utterance can change a learner’s or colleague's engagement and confidence.