My girlfriend has experience with this problem at a medical care center. It's rare that she runs into a name that she can't pronounce, but she was told that it's impolite to ask for a nickname after apologizing to the patient for not being able to pronounce the first or last.
2006-11-20 13:11:31 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Just for the record... it was an Asian name. In her personal experience, most foreigners with difficult names will have an Americanized name. I'm also being now informed that she actually asked for a SHORTER name that the person went by, not necessarily a nickname.
2006-11-20 13:20:15 · update #1
1. It is not impolite to ask the individual to repeat a name that is not familiar to you.
2. By having them repeat it, you will learn the proper pronunciation, as well as show respect that you are concerned about getting their name correct.
3. Nicknames are something that is spontaneously acquired after knowing someone for a time, i.e. friend, family member. It is not appropriate for strangers, unless they introduce themself first with a nickname.
Good Luck and Warm Wishes.
2006-11-20 21:33:00 · answer #1 · answered by mitch 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes it is impolite, I myself am american but, I have a very hard to pronounce name, my parents actually made it up. I can't stand it when people simply shorten it for me or expect me to shorten it, I cannnot help that they cannot pronounce it, I had this all thru school growing up and then when I took ettiquette I found out that what I was feeling was right, noone whould assume everyone has a nickname or a shorter name, there name is there name. So, all I can say is although I can feel for her in her job, she really needs to jsut ask them until she can say it properly. I mean, that is the right thing to do, I personally do not have a nickname and some people dont, it is rude to think everyone does or should..I am not trying to be rude at all jsut answering your question honestly out of personal experience.
2006-11-20 21:52:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is very impolite. Explain to the person that you would like to correctly pronounce the name. Ask them to say it slowly by each syllable. Listen. Then attempt it. Ask to be corrected if you are wrong. Don't give up until the person tires of you trying. Names are important. We should respect everyone's name no matter how strange sounding or difficult to pronounce.
2006-11-20 21:16:24 · answer #3 · answered by Chris 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I sometimes run into this where I work as well. I always apologize and ask them to help me pronounce their name syllable by syllable. If it still doesn't help, I laugh it off and tell them I'm sorry but can I just say "Tom" or "Jane" or something similarly easy to pronounce (usually something that COULD possibly come from their name). I've never had anyone tell me I HAD to call them by an impossibly hard to pronounce name. They have always given me an easy option if I asked for it and if I couldn't get the pronunciation right.
2006-11-20 21:16:59 · answer #4 · answered by Brooke 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she is having trouble pronouncing an unusual name, she's probably not the only one. The person with the name is most likely accustomed to having people ask for help with the pronunciation. I had a very unusual maiden name, and I would rather people ask the proper pronunciation, then to call me something else. When I come across this problem, I say to the person, "Would you help me with your last name?" and they always seem glad that I cared enough to ask, and they are helpful.
2006-11-20 21:21:51 · answer #5 · answered by ihave5katz 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I work in healthcare, and I will ask the person how to pronounce their name. Most people with difficult names are very understanding, and appreciate if my guess is pretty close (I've gotten pretty good at it over the years).
2006-11-20 21:15:52 · answer #6 · answered by HearKat 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If there someone close to u it is not rude to ask for a nickname but if you dont know them just say it as you think its pronounced and let them correct you everybody doesnt know how to pronounce my last name i just correct them or leave it
2006-11-20 21:22:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No way. Not acceptable. Simply ask "How do you pronounce your name?" then write it down phoenetically on a card so you remember.
Not being able to pronounce people's names makes one look ignorant and rude - as if they don't care.
2006-11-21 02:41:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
many people have trouble pronouncing my last name, so maybe i'm just used to it because i don't mind at all how people pronounce it. your girlfriend should just ask them politely the correct way to pronounce their name, and if she still can't pronounce it, she shouldn't make a big fuss over it.
2006-11-20 21:46:59 · answer #9 · answered by heyxkid 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that would be a tad rude. If you ask someone how to pronounce their name and they offer a nickname for you to use, then that is OK.
2006-11-20 21:19:18 · answer #10 · answered by deerogre 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋