Is this Acceptable? Malaysians’ Perceptions of Orthographic Variations of Personal Names
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37134/perspektif.vol18.1.3.2026Keywords:
Malaysians, Names, Perceptions, Unconventional spellingAbstract
In a multilingual and multicultural society like Malaysia, the spelling of names serves as a personal identifier and as a reflection of sociocultural and linguistic norms. While prior studies have examined spelling variation in educational and digital contexts, less is known about public perceptions of spelling variations of names. Against this backdrop, this study investigates how Malaysians perceive the acceptability of spelling variations. Using a mixed-methods design, 355 participants responded to a questionnaire comprising Likert-scale evaluations of ten real names, along with open-ended questions. Quantitative analysis revealed significant variability in participants’ acceptability ratings, though names that retained phonological clarity (e.g., Adrianah) were generally more accepted than others (e.g., Frrdy). No significant differences were found across gender, age, ethnicity, or professional background. Thematic analysis of qualitative responses highlighted two key influences on naming decisions: individual sociocultural factors (e.g., religious beliefs, family tradition) and sociolinguistic-aesthetic factors (e.g., pronunciation, trends, media influence). These findings suggest a growing tolerance towards spelling variations, possibly indicative the value of distinguishing one’s identity through names.
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