We’ve created an innovative web application called Hear My Name to combat mispronunciations of names. Say it right with our new application developed by BUMC IT colleagues that amplifies all the BU community’s voices and identities! This application lets users record and share their name and pronunciation on websites and in email. It seamlessly integrates into the University’s email systems, BU Profiles, and BU directory.

Why it Matters?

How Mispronouncing Names Impact Students

Mispronouncing someone’s name can seem like a small mistake, but it is an integral part of an individual’s identity. Often, mispronunciations have led to frustration and social-emotional problems for students, particularly international and students of diverse ethnic backgrounds.

For instance, one person shared the following about their challenges,

“My Chinese name is not just a label of who I am. It’s also a recognition of the culture that I come from. When I choose to go by an American name instead, it makes me feel like I let go of that part of my identity to settle comfortably in conformity.”

Respecting student identities is vital. Hear My Name ensures that every name is pronounced correctly and respectfully, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment at BU.

Why Getting Names Right Matters: Insights for Faculty and Staff

Studies reveal that 74% of professionals feel disengaged and ostracized at work due to their names being mispronounced. In contrast, faculty members also need help keeping track of students’ preferred names and pronunciations, which can also affect their and students’ sense of belonging. We hope Hear My Name better enables the community to track and share name preferences and pronunciation. We consider it an important part of our broad commitment to creating an environment where all community members feel seen, heard, and valued.

 

Correct Pronunciation Made Easy: How to Use Hear My Name

Where to Find & Listen to Hear My Name

You can access people’s name pronunciation in various locations, including within email signatures, the BU directory, and BU Profiles. It can also be shared on other websites as a link – the choice is yours! We look forward to incorporating this in other services in the future!

How to Record Your Pronunciation

To record your name pronunciation, visit the Hear My Name website at https://hearmyname.bu.edu. Press the blue “Record” button to record your name and preferred pronunciation.

1. When prompted, allow your browser to access your microphone. 
2. Once finished, click the Stop button.
3. Review, save, or discard the recording. You can redo the recording until you are satisfied with the result.
4. Click the “Save Recording” button to save your final recording.
5. Select “Yes” in the actions box to share your recording in the BU Directory and Profiles (“Yes” is the default).

6. Click the “Copy Link” button to copy the recording’s URL for use on any website and in your email signature.
7. For instructions on changing your email signature, see the provided link: General instructions for changing your Microsoft Outlook email signature
8. Click the “Copy Image” button to copy an image with the recording of your name. Add it where you wish, such as within your email signature.
9. If you need to update your recording, re-record. Previous URLs will continue to work for the re-recording.

Being Heard, A Shared Goal for The BU Community

Hear My Name makes honoring an individual’s identity easier by pronouncing their name correctly. It is a powerful tool that can help you be a better ally to those with diverse cultural backgrounds. Join us in making BU a more welcoming community by using this app to record and share your name pronunciation. Let’s work together to ensure everyone feels recognized, respected, and valued – creating a better community.

 For more information about the Hear My Name app and its integration into BU’s directory and email system, please visit the application’s help section. The Help videos, support contact information, and other resources will be found there.