HOw should you pronounce my name? Why does it matter?

What do you do when you meet someone and you don't know how to pronounce their name?

1. Avoid them
2. Typically mispronounce it and laugh embarrassingly
3. Ask if they have a simpler version
4. Admit to your struggle, try,  and politely ask for pronunciation tips so that you can improve

I face this question about 70-80 times a day. I have the pleasure of being a College Professor to many international students. For many, my classroom is their FIRST exposure to Canada, our culture, and our "definitions" of inclusion, diversity, and equity. 
I will admit it. I wasn't the best at knowing what to do in the beginning. I have learned that language is DEFINITELY not one of my strong points. It doesn't see to come naturally to me. I can't, in looking at the name on my screen, seem to know how to even start breaking it down into parts. I have failed publicly in my efforts MANY times.(I have 100's of students that can attest to it and have witnessed my miserable efforts).

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