Learn how to pronounce people’s names properly
Posted by For the new year, give your acquaintances the gift of pronouncing their names correctly. It’s a basic courtesy, but it’s not uncommon to come across a name you’ve never heard before, and it’s often uncomfortable to have to ask someone how to pronounce their name (especially if you have communicated by email or other written communication).
Hear Names has a large database of names from all over the world, sorted by language or region. If you come across an unfamiliar name through the course of your work day, through study, or in a newspaper, look it up on Hear Names, see its origin, and hear a native speaker pronounce it for you. They even have famous figures’ names for your convenience. And if you can’t find the name you’re looking for, there is a request feature so you can ask for a recording.
Even if you think you know how to pronounce someone’s name, it might be worth looking it up. For example, Claudia is pronounced differently in the US from how it is in Germany. And, of course, don’t be afraid to double-check with the person themselves. Not everyone uses a standard pronunciation.
Source: Readable Blog