Accent and Name Wahala: Should You Change Your Accent or Name to Fit In Abroad?
Some Africans abroad shorten their names or change their accents for work. Others refuse. Is it smart adapting or losing yourself?
Tokunbo Central’s answer: people feel strongly about this, and both sides have reasons.
- Your name is your identity: many people insist colleagues learn to pronounce it, and politely correct them.
- Practical options: some use a shorter version of their own name at work, which can be a middle ground.
- Accent: speaking clearly and at a steady pace matters more than sounding local.
- Know your rights: discrimination based on name or national origin is unlawful in many countries.
- Confidence wins: people who own their name and accent often say it becomes a talking point, not a barrier.
Your turn: have you changed your name or accent at work abroad? Do you regret it?