Mispronouncing distinctive names is frequent, even for well-known athletes, attributable to comfort over curiosity
Names mirror cultural id, and folks admire the hassle to study the right pronunciation
Accurately saying somebody’s title, even when unfamiliar, reveals respect for his or her background and id
Supply: Brooke Sutton / Getty
When the Travis Etienne Jr. signed his new contract with the New Orleans Saints, most individuals assumed the largest story could be soccer. As a substitute, the web found one thing much more relatable to many Black people: we (and his former coaches) have apparently been saying this man’s final title fallacious for years.
Supply: Mike Carlson / Getty
At his introductory press convention, the operating again determined it was time to set the file straight. The final title everybody has been saying just like the letters “E-T-N” isn’t truly alleged to sound like that. Etienne defined that rising up in Louisiana, the title had a Creole pronunciation nearer to “Ay-chan.” In truth, he admitted he spent a very long time correcting individuals earlier than ultimately giving up and letting the simpler pronunciation slide.
“Rising up, it was Travis Achane… that’s the way you all the time say it.”
And there it’s—the acquainted second when somebody with a novel title reaches the purpose the place they’re bored with correcting individuals and simply give up. Many Black individuals know that actual second. It’s the second while you understand you’ve defined your title 437 instances and the room nonetheless seems at you such as you simply handed them a trigonometry equation.
As a result of the burden is actual.
Each classroom, workplace assembly, or Starbucks order turns into the identical scene:
“Did I say that proper?”
“No.”
“Okay… shut sufficient.”
In the meantime, the individual whose title truly issues is silently screaming inside.
Etienne’s story is an ideal instance of what occurs when comfort wins over curiosity. Even announcers and coaches struggled, and ultimately, the simpler pronunciation caught as a result of it required much less effort.
Athletes take care of this on a regular basis. Think about being an elite star and nonetheless listening to your title butchered on nationwide tv. Simply ask Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose title as soon as terrified NBA commentators. Or Tua Tagovailoa, who patiently repeated his title till the whole NFL lastly caught up. Even Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has watched broadcasters pause mid-sentence like they’re trying a spelling bee on stay TV.
However Etienne’s revelation additionally highlights one thing deeper. Names carry tradition, household historical past, and id. His Creole pronunciation connects to his Louisiana roots, one thing he says he’s glad to embrace once more now that he’s again nearer to dwelling.
So the lesson right here is easy. When somebody tells you easy methods to say their title, strive—actually strive—to study it.
As a result of someplace out there’s a Black child named De’Andre, J’Marr, or Oluwatobi who would like to stay in a world the place individuals give their title the identical effort they provide “Schwarzenegger.”
And if all else fails, simply keep in mind the brand new rule: it’s Travis “Ay-chan.” Not E-T-N.
