11 Struggles Of Having An “Ethnic” Name
You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it
There are a lot of really easy, common names in the U.S. and while many of those simple names have different spellings, most of the time, pronunciation is not an issue that those people need to worry about. However, others are not as fortunate and often times give up on corrections after a while. We usually give an A+ for effort. So, as you could probably imagine, there are a few struggles with having a name that isn’t technically English. Here are just a few…
1. You know you are up next when the teacher pauses while taking attendance
Chances are you are the only one with your name in your class so you know when your name is up next when there’s a sudden pause followed by an uneasy look by the teacher or substitute.
2. When “I’m going to do my very best to make sure I know all your names” is said, it may or may be an empty promise
It may be possible for people with more common names but yours might take a bit longer and require a bit more effort.
3. “Wow! That sounds so cool! Where is your family from?”
Great… your name never fails to be a conversation starter… except it’s the same kind of conversation that ensues.
4. You dread when people ask you to repeat your name over and over because it “sounds so cool when you say it”
You’re flattered that people like your name so much but it gets a little annoying after repeatedly saying it 500 times.
5. There’s a 50/50 chance that your name will come back either correct or incorrect at Starbucks
Sometimes the baristas will ask you how to spell your name while taking your order (meaning your name will at least be spelled right), but sometimes that’s not done and your name is spelled and said completely different. Let’s just say, you have many Starbucks personas.
6. People try to find shorter, easier nicknames for you instead of calling you by your actual name
The nicknames are either actual shortened versions or just words that sound like your name (usually said in a teasing manner), you’re used to it though…
7. When someone famous or fictional character shares your name, you get so happy
Your first reaction is one of sudden happiness that your name is shared by someone whether real or fictional and you instantly connect.
8. “What’s your name?” “It’s [name]” “I’m sorry, what was it again?”
Typical situation… and most of the time, the other person asking you to repeat yourself can hear just fine so it's not that you're loud enough.
9. You’ve pretty much seen every misspelling and heard every mispronunciation of your name throughout your life
Trust us, we’ve heard it all. We’ve seen our name twisted in the most outrageous ways. We’ve given up trying to instill the correction anymore.
10. When you find another person with an “ethnic” sounding name, you both get excited
It’s almost like an instant connection to the person especially when you both can say each other’s names correctly in one try.
11. Despite the struggles, your name is pretty unique… just like you
Like I said, you are probably the only one with your name in the group or groups that you hang out with so rock it!
