
Say My Name, Say It Right: The Power of Pronunciation in Building Respect
Introducing Myself and the Value of My Name Card
Hi, my name is Jadsadarng Sainui (Pronounced: /Jade-sa-darng Sai-nui/, IPA as: [dʒædˈsɑːdɑːŋ saɪˈnuːi]). I’m from Thailand, a country where the Thai language is deeply unique and primarily spoken within the nation.
Since leaving Thailand to study English in New Zealand in 2016, I’ve discovered how challenging it can be for non-Thai speakers to pronounce my name correctly. While it’s understandable, I’ve also realized that many people genuinely want to learn how to say it right—a sentiment that aligns perfectly with the mission of SayMyName.
In Thai culture, names carry great significance, often reflecting identity, history, and pride. It’s common for Thai people to have nicknames that are short and easy to say, as our formal names can be long and complex. This tradition helps make interactions smoother, but I deeply value when people make the effort to pronounce my full name correctly. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to show respect for who I am and where I come from.
Why I Created My Name Card
My name card is a tool to help people who are interested in learning to pronounce my name correctly. It’s perfect for first meetings when you want to leave a good impression and show that you’ve taken the time to prepare. Whether it’s for classmates, teachers, or professional connections, the name card bridges the gap between my name’s uniqueness and their effort to get it right.
For instance, I can include my name card on my school profile, giving my teachers the chance to familiarize themselves with the correct pronunciation before calling on me in class. Research indicates that consistently mispronouncing a student’s name can adversely affect their motivation and sense of belonging in educational settings (NTU). By prioritizing name pronunciation, universities send a clear message: every student matters.
My Experience With Mispronunciation
Over the years, I’ve heard various attempts at my name, such as “Jet-sa-raang” or “Jaad-sa-draang.” While these efforts are understandable, they don’t capture the true essence of my name. Thanks to my name card, individuals can now listen to the correct pronunciation—“Jade-sa-darng”—and even practice it themselves.
The audio feature on the card exemplifies the mission of SayMyName, making it easier for anyone to confidently pronounce my name. Studies have shown that correctly pronouncing names fosters cultural sensitivity and inclusivity, contributing to a more welcoming environment (NEA).
My Name Card: A Gateway to Inclusivity
Click on this link: My Name Card to visit my name card, listen to how my name is pronounced, and learn more about me. Let’s build a world where everyone’s name is valued and celebrated.
Sources
- Nottingham Trent University, “Mispronouncing student names can impact learning motivation and sense of belonging”
- National Education Association, “Why Pronouncing Students’ Names Correctly is So Important”