Episode 192 – Say My Name, Say My Name: Code Switching and Pronunciation of Filipino Names

This Filipino American Life

How do you pronounce your name? How do you pronounce your last name? Do you Anglicize it? Do you pronounce it differently when talking to other Filipinos or when speaking Tagalog? Do you correct people who pronounce it differently? How would you pronounce the name “Roxas”?

In this mini-episode, Ryan, Elaine, and Joe discuss the various ways that we as Filipino Americans pronounce our last names, the act of code-switching in certain contexts, and how shame and power may play a part in pronunciation. We also veer on a random tangent and discuss if ketchup and rice is a justifiable combo.

Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on this page, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts here. And for folks on Spotify, you can take a listen to us here.

Do you have any similar experiences like Mr. Roxas? Let us know! Leave us a voicemail (805) 394-TFAL or email us at [e-mail].