Why Do People Mispronounce Kamala Harris's Name?

The question of why people mispronounce Kamala Harris's name has sparked curiosity and discussion among many. Both spellings, Kamala and Kumala, are correct and it's ultimately a matter of personal preference. However, the difficulty in pronouncing her name stems from several cultural and psychological factors.

The Pronunciation Debacle

Harri is a common name that follows standard pronunciation rules, making it familiar to most people. Kamala, on the other hand, is a less common name and can be pronounced in at least two ways: Kuh-muh-luh or Kah-muh-lah. This disparity in familiarity and pronunciation complexity can lead to mispronunciations.

Psychological Factors at Play

According to Mark Cuban, the difficulty in pronouncing different names can be traced back to limited exposure and cultural familiarity. Cuban, in a long interview with Bryan Cohen, emphasized that some people have limited exposure to foreign cultures, which can make anything unfamiliar seem more challenging to accept or pronounce correctly.

The reason why some people struggle with certain names, such as Kamala, is because these names are not familiar to them. For many, the idea of a name that doesn't fit the typical phonetic patterns can be unsettling. This limited world view can make it almost traumatic to accept something different, whether it's a name, a perspective, or even a foreign dish.

Cultural Differences and Familiarity

Cultural familiarity plays a significant role in how people perceive and pronounce names. For example, the name Harris is a common and well-known name in English-speaking countries, making it easier to remember and pronounce. Conversely, Kamala is a less common name, especially in certain regions, which makes it more challenging for others to recall and pronounce correctly.

Peer Reinforcement and Self-Affirmation

Peer reinforcement and self-affirmation can also contribute to the mispronunciation of names like Kamala Harris. When someone finds that their peers and social circle pronounce the name incorrectly, it becomes easier for them to embrace the mistake and even reinforce it. This collective affirmation makes the mispronunciation more acceptable and sometimes even normal.

Psychological Rejection and Brain Plasticity

The human brain's remarkable yet sometimes stubborn nature plays a role in name pronunciation. Our brains are predisposed to accept and remember information that is familiar, making it difficult to adapt to new or unfamiliar sounds. This is why name mispronunciations can persist, even when corrected or explained.

For instance, Mark Cuban’s point about limited exposure and cultural familiarity can explain why people have trouble with the name Kamala but not with other names like Harris. For many, the unfamiliarity of the name means it's easier to mentally accept it as strange and thus more forgiving of mispronunciations.

Conclusion

The difficulty in pronouncing Kamala Harris's name is not solely about mispronunciation; it reflects broader issues of cultural awareness, exposure, and the brain's tendency to accept and remember things that are familiar. It's important to understand these factors to foster greater respect and accuracy in how we address and pronounce names from different cultures.

In the end, the goal should be to promote cultural understanding and respect, recognizing that names are meaningful and significant to the individuals they represent. By striving to pronounce names correctly and with care, we can contribute to a more inclusive and tolerant society.