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Sophie

Mason

they/them

Chief Executive Officer

ThinkEDI

Why I Share the Pronunciation of My Name

Sophie Mason

January 2025

Names Are Personal


A name isn’t just a word. It’s part of who we are—our identity, culture, and history. When someone makes the effort to learn and say your name properly, it shows respect. It says, “You matter.”


In the UK, only 17.5% of people are multilingual, which is shockingly low compared to many other European countries. We have a tendency to expect others to meet us on our terms rather than making the effort to meet them on theirs. It’s not just about language skills; it’s about attitude.

[Image description: The image shows Sophie, a smiling woman with shoulder-length blonde, wavy hair, sitting at a table in a brightly lit room with a warm and inviting atmosphere. They are wearing a dark sweater, and their posture is relaxed and cheerful, with one hand near their face. A potted plant is visible in the foreground, adding a touch of greenery to the scene.]

[Image description: The image shows Sophie, a smiling woman with shoulder-length blonde, wavy hair, sitting at a table in a brightly lit room with a warm and inviting atmosphere. They are wearing a dark sweater, and their posture is relaxed and cheerful, with one hand near their face. A potted plant is visible in the foreground, adding a touch of greenery to the scene.]

The UK: A Country That Borrows and Invites


The ironic thing is, the English language is built on borrowing. Over centuries, words from French, German, Latin, and other languages have shaped English into the patchwork it is today. Despite this rich linguistic history, we often fail to extend the same courtesy to the people who bring their names, languages, and cultures to the UK.


Now think about this: many of the most essential roles in the UK are filled by people who’ve come from abroad.


  • NHS staff: A huge proportion of our doctors, nurses, and carers come from other countries. Without them, the healthcare system would collapse.

  • Hospitality workers: Many of the people running our hotels, serving our food, or keeping spaces clean are immigrants.

  • Educators and academics: International teachers and researchers enrich our schools and universities.


Imagine coming here to fill one of those roles, only to find that people can’t—or won’t—make the effort to say your name correctly.


The Reality of “Fitting In”


I’ve met people who’ve felt forced to change or anglicise their names just to make things easier for others. They’ve introduced themselves with fake names because they’ve been ignored or mispronounced so many times that it felt easier to give up. That breaks my heart.


I can’t imagine being asked to erase such an important part of my identity just to fit in. And yet, it happens every single day.


When I share how to say my name, it’s not just for me—it’s an invitation. It’s my way of saying, “Let’s start this conversation right.” I want people to feel comfortable saying my name, but I also want to encourage them to share theirs.


Because I want to know your name. I want to show your culture, language, and heritage the respect they deserve. Learning to say someone’s name properly might seem small, but it’s deeply meaningful. It says, “I see you. You belong.”

[Image description: A bright graphic shows a name sticker in the center. The sticker says Hello I am Sophie Mason. Sow-fee May-sun

Why I Share the Pronunciation of My Name

How to Find the Pronunciation of a Name


If you’re ever unsure about how to pronounce someone’s name, there are tools that can help. For example, websites like NameShouts provide phonetic pronunciations and even audio clips for names from all over the world. It’s a simple step you can take to show respect and make meaningful connections.


Names Are a Connection


I’ve always believed that names are more than just labels—they’re a way to connect. When we make the effort to say each other’s names correctly, we’re creating a bridge. We’re saying, “I value you enough to get this right.”


It doesn’t matter if it takes a little practice or feels awkward at first. What matters is trying.

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