stranger correctly pronounced: Growing up with an unconventional name can be challenging, as Priti Ubhayakar experienced throughout her life. From a young age, she dreaded introductions, anticipating the inevitable mispronunciation of her name. Priti, which means “love” in Sanskrit, was often mangled by teachers and peers alike, leading to feelings of shame and embarrassment.
stranger correctly pronounced: what to know
Struggles with Identity
During her school years in the UK, Priti often found herself squirming in her seat as teachers struggled to pronounce her full name. In an effort to spare everyone from discomfort, she would interrupt them, but this only added to her anxiety. Many of her classmates resorted to calling her “pretty,” a nickname that became a source of teasing. Priti recalls being told, “Pretty? You’re not very pretty. Pretty ugly, I would say,” which further compounded her insecurities.
When her family moved to the United States in the mid-90s, the situation became even more complicated. Priti faced a new set of challenges as she navigated cultural differences and language barriers. She often felt uncertain about how to introduce herself, unsure whether to use her English or American accent. This led her to develop a strategy of allowing her American friends to introduce her, which helped alleviate some of her anxiety.
A Transformative Experience in India
In 2004, Priti’s life took a significant turn when she accepted a job in Mumbai, India. On her first day at the office, she introduced herself to her boss, who greeted her with a warm “Hi, Priti,” pronouncing her name correctly as “Pree-thi.” This moment was a revelation for Priti, who had grown accustomed to hearing her name mispronounced. For the first time, she felt a sense of respect and validation associated with her name.
Throughout her time in India, Priti experienced a newfound confidence. She was greeted with the correct pronunciation of her name in various settings, from restaurants to local shops. This affirmation allowed her to embrace her identity and heritage, shedding the insecurities she had carried for years. Priti realized that her name was not just a label but a significant part of her identity, one that deserved respect.
After returning to the United States a year and a half later, Priti carried this confidence with her. She began to introduce herself with pride, stating, “Hi, my name is Priti.” The experience in Mumbai had transformed her relationship with her name and, by extension, her sense of self. Priti now actively makes an effort to pronounce others’ names correctly, understanding the importance of names in shaping identity.