Since the whole episode built up to the name Evan choose for his bank application with the rather tepid ra-ra lecture from his grandmother helping him to make the decision, what name did he choose?
That his signature is indecipherable doesn't mean that the name he put down on the form was!
I think he chose Evan to use officially since the lesson was that names don't define you in America. If that's so, then why not use the most convenient name in day to day life?
He still has his Chinese name to be proud of, but if most people he interacts with(including his siblings probably, or Eddie at least)find it hard to pronounce, why deal with the extra stress?
I find that most americans I encounter are courteous enough to ask me how to pronounce my name. some think it's funny to say "oh it's too difficult", i think it's insensitive since my name isn't really all that hard.
I remember some american colleagues struggling with the name "Murali".
I think Evan used his American name feeling that's what works for him.
shareUnfortunately there are people who feel very uncomfortable pronouncing a new word or name from another culture, even if it's just two or three simple syllables. Then there are those who don't even try out of the feeling that they shouldn't have to.
But I think it's really more common to make the mistake of treating language as finite set of memorized sounds as opposed to using one's natural ability to imitate what the other person is saying and get it right after trying a few times.
While taking attendance, inner-city substitute teacher Mr. Garvey has trouble pronouncing middle-class white names.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd7FixvoKBw
some think it's funny to say "oh it's too difficult", i think it's insensitive