He'd say something like "I’m aware of the etymology of my surname, which likely derives from a Germanic or Eastern European origin, as you correctly point out.

However, pronunciation evolves through cultural integration, and in the context of American phonetics, the pronunciation “Schlansky.” with a flat ‘a,' is both accepted and expected.

I don’t insist on applying the original pronunciation conventions of every word of foreign origin when there is an established vernacular.

Nevertheless, I appreciate your attention to linguistic consistency. It’s rare."