Frijoles Volteados (Guatemala)

Usually when I write a post about a recipe, I include the name of the recipe in its language of origin, and then I include the English translation. For example, tonight I made Frijoles Volteados, refried beans. Extending the Table includes both of these names along with a phonetic pronunciation. When I make a recipe for my family, I give them both names, and usually the boys have fun working out how to say these wonderful new words.

Language is important. Names are important. My own children have four names. They have retained the names given to them at birth combined with a name John and I have chosen for them (though that combo differs in order from boy to boy), and we all share a last name. The names of our children are full of hope and promise and belonging, gifts from all the family that loves them so dearly.

I've been thinking about names this week. I recently went to a speech tournament where the names of the participants were not fully honored. They were mispronounced, skipped over, and singled out for attention. This is a edited portion of the letter I wrote to the coach in charge of the event:

"I did want to mention something I have been struggling with about the awards ceremony. I noticed that for many of the students with names that were difficult to pronounce, a lot of attention was brought to that fact as you and your assistant called them forward. There were several comments like “I’m never gonna get this one right,” “This is a really hard one to say” and “I’m not even gonna try this one.” Usually these statements were accompanied by laughter on your part.

Unfortunately, one of my students was one of those students. When she was called up to receive her recognition, you said “—I’m not gonna even try this one.” So not only was she not fully recognized a competitor who did exceedingly well, the moment became about the announcer rather than her. This was extremely hurtful and took away from the celebration of her showing. It was also embarrassing for her.

One of the aspects of speech that I love is the diversity of the students that participate in the competition. Each one brings unique talents and perspectives to the pieces. Often what they put into a piece is a reflection of their own interests and experiences. This diversity is something that can be embraced in all aspects of a tournament, including the awards.

I hope that by bringing this to your attention and offering feedback, it gives you the opportunity to reflect on the situation and maybe consider some alternatives for your next event. All of our students deserve the recognition they receive as the wonderful, unique individuals they are!"

 

I felt for the coach who was in a difficult position. But I also felt for all those students who couldn't advocate for themselves in a very public moment. Yet I received a very gracious response from the coach, who apologized and acknowledged the opportunity to make a positive change. She pointed out the irony of the situation, in good humor, that even as speech coaches, we need to remember the power of words.