LJMU to introduce NameCoach: your platform for your name

At the start of the academic year, the Diversity and Inclusion Team launched the “Getting it Right” Campaign. The campaign aims to encourage conversations about inclusive behaviours providing students and staff with practical tools to do so. NameCoach is a software incorporated within LJMU systems which will help users with name pronunciations.

Mispronouncing names can go as far as taking on other meanings in that person’s language. We know some students and some staff shorten their own names for simplicity, and that is a personal choice. We encourage colleagues and students not to shorten others’ names as that is a choice made on their behalf. This sends the message that some names are ‘too difficult’ to pronounce, and while we may be less familiar with some, names are extremely personal.

NameCoach takes away the potential ‘awkwardness’ or ‘fear’ of getting it wrong and it’s a tool for greater allyship.

So how does it work?

NameCoach is an external provider that facilitates the creation of name/pronoun recordings on Canvas and Outlook for over 700 institutions worldwide. The project aims to create a more inclusive digital environment by normalising phonetic pronunciations of names and the use of pronouns across the board.

Who is NameCoach open to?

NameCoach is for all staff and students. Externals will also be able to click on your NameCoach recording in your email signature and hear the recording for your name. NameCoach is not available to externals to use for themselves as it’s linked to internal LJMU systems.

If you have any questions, please get in touch by emailing equality@ljmu.ac.uk.

For instructions on how to use NameCoach please visit the NameCoach IT help page.