How to Pronounce Names From Languages You Do Not Speak
To pronounce a name from a language you don't speak, look it up before you need it (the person's own recording, a pronunciation site, or someone who knows them), aim for the real sounds rather than an anglicized version, skip any put-on accent, practice aloud, and invite one correction.
- Look it up before the moment.
- Aim for the real sounds, not an anglicized version.
- Don't put on an accent.
- Practice it aloud three or four times.
- Invite one correction: 'Did I say that right?'
Pronouncing a name from an unfamiliar language well usually takes a minute of preparation: find an audio source (the person's own voicemail or video, a name-pronunciation website, a colleague who knows them), aim for the original sounds rather than the English approximation, say it in your normal voice without imitating an accent, practice it aloud a few times, and then give the person a chance to correct you once. Accept the correction simply, without repeated apologies.
Your new colleague's name is from a language you don't speak, and you're introducing them to the team in twenty minutes. There's a middle path between mangling it and overcompensating with a fake accent, and it's mostly preparation.
How do you find out how to pronounce someone's name?
Many mispronunciations happen because the first attempt is a guess. A short look-up before the meeting prevents most of them: the person's own recorded greeting or video, a name-pronunciation website, or a quick question to someone who knows them or the language. Some people add a phonetic spelling to their email signature or profile; check there first. A minute of preparation can save months of getting it wrong.
Should you anglicize a name you can't pronounce?
Many English speakers have a version-of-the-name in their head that is the English-friendly approximation. Diego becomes DEE-ay-go. Xiomara becomes zee-oh-MAR-ah. The English versions are recognizable but wrong. Aim for the original sounds even if you cannot perfectly produce them. Half-right at the original is more respectful than fully-right at the English approximation.
Should you use an accent when saying a foreign name?
Saying a Japanese name with a sudden Japanese accent is worse than saying it neutrally. The accent shift draws attention to itself; it sounds like impersonation rather than respect. Say the name with your normal speech rhythm and your normal voice. The goal is correct sounds, not character work. Neutral delivery of correct sounds is the target.
How do you ask if you said someone's name right?
After you say the name out loud the first time, give the person space to correct you. Did I get that right is fine. So is just saying the name and watching their reaction. If they correct you, accept the correction without apologizing five times. One thank you, repeat the corrected version once, and move on. Long apologies make them comfort you, which inverts the dynamic.
How do you remember how to say a difficult name?
If you have an introduction or meeting coming up, say the name out loud — to yourself — three or four times before the moment. The mouth muscles need rehearsal that the brain alone does not provide. Names you have only read silently are names you will stumble on in real time. Saying it five times in private prevents stumbling once in public.
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