When AI Gets Your Name or Culture Wrong

Most large language models learned more English than any other language. Their default world is mostly American or British. They can be wrong about names from Vietnam, Nigeria, India, or Mexico. They can also assume things that are not true about your culture.

Common AI mistakes

• Wrong syllable stress on your name
• Mixing up first name and family name (some cultures put family name first)
• Assuming you celebrate American holidays
• Assuming dietary rules (halal, kosher, vegetarian)
• Defaulting to Christian-centered examples

Set this up once per chat

Most chat tools forget after the conversation ends. Each new chat, paste a short "about me" line at the start. ChatGPT and Claude have memory features in paid plans, but the free versions usually start fresh.

Words to know

• bias — a slant toward one side
• default — the normal setting if you do not change it
• halal — food allowed by Islamic law
• kosher — food allowed by Jewish law
• self-advocacy — speaking up for yourself

The big idea: AI is not neutral. Tell it who you are, and it will serve you better.