“What’s in a Name?” Impact of Mispronunciation

Ana Lomidze, Pace University

Abstract

Name mispronunciation is a hurtful experience many non-western individuals frequently face in their everyday lives in the United States. The research in this area is very limited with no clinical implications explored. However, research does suggests that names are important to identity and sense of self. Names also influence many aspects of people’s lives, including how they are perceived, what personality traits they have, their physicality, and even occupations they will choose for themselves. Individuals may also be discriminated against based on their names and lose out on financial, political and social opportunities and growth. Research also suggests that individuals with consolidated identity, or stronger sense of self, are better able to feel confident and defend against slights on their identity. Based on this information, the current study aims to examine if name mispronunciation has negative impacts on the mental health of individuals. It also aims to understand if correcting the mispronunciations can moderate the relationship between the frequent experience of mispronunciation and poor mental health outcomes. Finally, the study will examine if those with consolidated identity are more likely to correct. A sample of 110 adults, who were in majority, white females, were given an online survey that included measures of anxiety, depression, identity, everyday discrimination, and questions about their experiences with mispronunciation and correcting mispronunciation. Unfortunately, there were no significant findings in analysis in relation to these variables and contrary to hypothesis, the experience of mispronunciation did not lead to increased anxiety and depression, correcting mispronunciations was not a moderator for this relationship, and individuals with more consolidated identity were not more likely to correct. The lack of findings are likely due to the sample that was used for analysis. These individuals reported very infrequent experiences of mispronunciation as well as correction. The sample also included mainly white women who experience much less discrimination compared to other groups, particularly women of color which may also influence how they react and process mispronunciations. Future research would benefit from examining a larger, more diverse sample, specifically immigrants of color, to determine how demographic factors influence how folks are impacted by mispronunciation. Despite the lack of findings, it is still clear that names are important and there is benefit to exerting effort in getting them right. Specifically for clinicians, this will be beneficial for individuals they work with and fostering a good therapeutic relationship.

Subject Area

Psychology|Personality psychology|Clinical psychology|Mental health

Recommended Citation

Lomidze, Ana, "“What’s in a Name?” Impact of Mispronunciation" (2023). ETD Collection for Pace University. AAI30691477.
https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/dissertations/AAI30691477

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