Say my Name: the humanity of names
Join us in celebrating the diversity of names and the story they tell about us individuals and as a society at large.
Can you say my name? Not so far, say Hibaq Farah, Niamh Ní Hoireabhaird, Ranjana Srivastava and the thousands of other Australians whose names are shortened, anglicised, mispronounced or replaced.
For many in Australia, navigating school, the workplace, and life can come with unique and sometimes distressing challenges tied to their name. This storytelling session and panel discussion unpacks how we perceive and acknowledge names unfairly categorised as 'tricky,' 'unfamiliar,' or 'foreign'.
Moderated by Jan Fran, hear from UTS academic and staff member Dr Elaine Laforteza, Dr Sunil Badami, Dr Kumi de Silva, and Dr Mariko Smith, as they discuss their personal experiences and the cultural, familial and historical implications of names in the Australian context. Say My Name will also provide insights and tools for how who we can rectify mispronunciations and work towards a more respectful and inclusive society together.
Our names are an essential part of our identity. They carry deep personal, cultural, familial, and historical connections. They also give us a sense of who we are and our place in the world. Join us in celebrating the diversity of names and the story they tell about us individuals and as a society at large.
SPEAKERS
Jan Fran, Award winning journalist, TV presenter and internet commentator | |
Dr Elaine Laforteza, Equity Project Officer, Centre of Social Justice and Inclusion | |
Dr Kumi de Silva, Gender Equity Programs Manager | |
Dr Sunil Badami, Writer, academic and broadcaster | |
Dr Mariko Smith, Worked in Sydney's museums and tertiary, specialising in Aboriginal cultural heritage |