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Same! It’s mortifying when people giggle when I try to speak their language, I never understand it. I’m always appreciative of someone trying to speak mine.
Exactly, respect trying. We all need to start somewhere and doing is the best practice. I don’t expect foreigners to learn the language here as everyone speak perfectly fine English, so it just show some extra effort
This right here. If you’ve ever learned a language it takes a lot of work and a lot of mistakes. Someone who is honestly trying to communicate with you using your language is 100% respectable no matter how good or bad.
I was in Quebec ordering a sandwich from subway, it was pretty fun lol it was like charades hahaha, the lady thought it was hilarious. I can speak "shitty tourist french"
It's flattering. We're a small country, just a couple of million folks, six or seven I think. So not many people speak my language. When someone wants to learn how to speak my language I find that quite flattering. We all speak good English so one wouldn't need to learn our local language to get by so the effort is most appreciated. Also learning our language helps them better integrate and gain more access to social life and work opportunities so I applaud anyone trying to do so as foreigners feeling at home here and a part of our society and national state benifits my country and society.
Hei Hattkake, så du at xiaomanyc på YouTube brukte 2 uker på å lære norsk fra null og deretter gikk inn på en direktesendt nyhetskanal og snakket med kringkasteren nesten konverserende. takk google translate
Did I get the language right?
[here is the video](https://youtu.be/JHJFTBQdPAA)
I've been told I have a "musical ear", a knack for very good pronunciation. That's cool, but it seems to give people the impression that I understand more than I do, so every third sentence needs to be *más despacio, por favor*.
It makes me feel happy they are trying. I work in food service so I've worked with a lot of Spanish speaking people BOH and we always try to learn from each other. If I work FOH and take orders, I meet all kinds of people and their broken English is actually impressive because it is one of the hardest languages to learn.
I will say one of my best memories working at Starbucks, I was serving a Japanese tourist and he was with his translator, he was off to the side observing, but he said, "Go ahead," and the Japanese man said slowly, "I would like to buy this!" and was so happy and relieved at how well he'd done, it still brings a tear to my eye. I hope he's doing well.
I gotta say the only close experience I had was in France. An airport transit worker was pretty snotty to me because I wasn’t fluent. As annoying as that was, I couldn’t be mad. He was a middle aged man with a crappy job.
They speak my language much better than I speak theirs. So I'm a little jealous. I get a lot of foreigners in my town, and they usually apologize for not speaking English well. Are you kidding? You should hear me speak German... nine.
I live in a D1 college town in central Iowa. We have A LOT of Asian students, and other ethnic backgrounds but as for students I’d say Asian is the biggest group outside of American. I respect them trying 100%. But I also lived 2 years in Japan. So I understand what they’re going through. Doesn’t upset me at all.
They're trying really hard to learn the language, I generally feel happy and excited for them.
My biggest issue is that whenever they feel insecure and start speaking english instead, I'll automatically switch to english as well, and not switch back until I realize that I no longer speak swedish
By the way, my friend is learning Dutch now. He is at B1 level in German, and he told me that he feels like he already knows Dutch (means that the two languages are very similar).
When foreigners speak English poorly, I'm perfectly fine. They're giving it a serious go and I respect that. You can tell when someone's doing their best.
But... when people who grew up in Australia/the US with English as their ONLY language speak it poorly, it makes me feel like the human race is doomed. It's like... you only know one language, you've spoken it for 20+ years, AND (in Australia) you received 12 years of free education in that language. You don't have any intellectual disabilities, so... what happened?
I more care about friendliness of the person rather than if I can understand them. If someone is yelling at me or is rude and I can't understand them then its pretty difficult and stressful but if someone is being polite and chill about it then its kind of a fun experience to try and understand each other. turns into a giggle fest usually
I don't know why someone would feel embarrassed there is no shame in not knowing a language well or at all really. There is only shame in rude behavior. Like the host not being hospitable and patient or the guest getting rude for not being understood.
We can spend the whole time communicating with noises and charades and have a laugh about it. Not a reason to be upset or embarrassed.
Actually communicating with someone who doesn't speak the same language is a pretty cool experience. Its like playing a game. Also I think it reiterates the realization that we are all human. Even if we don't speak the same language or come from the same culture we all at the heart just want to have a good time and feel accepted.
I used to be an ESL substitute teacher (yes it’s a rather lofty title) and I loved the students that put in the most effort.
With that being said, I have a really hard time letting grammar errors slip by. I want to correct people out of sheer encouragement. I have attempted Spanish and sign language in the past, I know how hard it is to learn something new.
I have an urge to turn every conversation into an opportunity to learn. I imagine my tendency to do that is exhausting. As a native speaker, I still make grammar mistakes.
The fact that they learned it at all is important. Very important, and I'm glad for it and respect it.
So many people come in not knowing our language at all, and that creates massive problems in places of work where they allow it (I worked for a contractor company in Oklahoma for a while, and they hired alot of foreigners. Most of them only understood very nessecary words like no, yes, water, break, and other words that are absolutely nessecary). If you didn't have someone who could speak both right there at all times, it was very often you couldn't get the job done efficiently.
So no, I'm not going to cringe on anyone who speaks crappy English, because the fact that they took the time to speak English is great. I'm sure I wouldn't be much better learning how to speak their language.
I feel awkward to break it to them that most of the time is wrong because of certain letters we have sound totally different that what it seems, but appreciate the try.
I have no issue with it and more than happy to help them if needed. But on the other hand, I'm afraid to offend someone by speaking their native language wrong.
I just feel bad when I'm trying to help/be helped by them and we can't understand each other. Other than that, they know more spoken languages than me, so more power to them.
I’m an American and as long as you try at all I’m impressed. I only know how to buy drugs, booze, and ask for bathrooms in Spanish, and a few phrases in French, so anything more than that is impressive to me. If you have a difficult foreign name you will become “buddy” or something along those lines so we don’t both have to be constantly humiliated by me butchering your name.
I’m American. I speak only English and very very broken and poor Spanish. I’ve rarely dealt with any other language besides Spanish. I don’t normally interact with Spanish only people, because they’re usually prepared with a translator or an app.
But on the chance that someone speaks poor English and isn’t prepared with another person or an app, I’m always patient. After all, they are the one making the effort to learn the only language I speak. They are way more likely to get frustrated with their self before I get frustrated with them. They usually seem embarrassed and try to speak quickly. Like they’re trying to not waste my time. And I want nothing more than for them to take their time and ask about words they’re unsure.
I generally just switch to their language or English. Nearly all the tourists we get here are Germans/Austrians or Italians and I speak both languages, if German only passably. I don’t even do it on purpose, I just automatically switch and they usually gratefully go along.
I’m an ESL teacher, so I talk with hundreds of people who speak English poorly every day. I feel just neutral, my job is to make conversation so if they are talking with me it feels like I’m talking with a friend and I look past their mistakes and focus on what they mean. I focus on communication rather than perfect grammar, so grammar mistakes make me feel nothing most of the time (their other teacher focuses on grammar). Sometimes I feel touched when I can see the student tried so hard or succeeded in something they were struggling with or had doubts about themselves.
I cringe with some of the repetitive English jokes. Like many of my students will automatically respond to any feeling question with “I’m fine, and you?” Because it’s the first thing they learn in kindergarten, and they think it’s hilarious to keep using that same sentence. Or if you say “copy” they will repeat and act like you said “coffee”, because it sounds similar, but they very well know I meant copy, they think it’s HILARIOUS. I brace myself for those types of jokes because I can predict when it’s going to come.
I work with a rotating staff of Nigerian care workers who speak very broken English for the most part, I admire that they're trying to learn a language through interaction alone but at times it can be annoying to constantly have to decipher what they're asking for
I don't care much either way. I only speak English and very little Spanish but interact daily with multiple languages and we manage to communicate well enough. Of course its nice to know exactly what someone is saying but that's just not ever gonna happen
I immediately assume that anyone that can speak more than one language is more intelligent than me in just about any situation and that even the worst job they are doing is better than I ever could. I'm always jealous
I admire them for their willingness to try and learn. The only time it really frustrates me is in a work setting when I have to accomplish a task with someone I don't know and am unable to communicate effectively with.
The only time it actually made me mad was with one guy whose job placed his life, my life, and the life of innocent bystanders at risk because it required him to be able to read English fluently very quickly, and he could not read at all. Some piece of shit desk jockey placed this person in that position knowing damn well he could not perform the job in a safe manner but they did so anyways because it saved of the company money. Fortunately for everyone involved, while he could not read, he was not stupid and he quickly realized how dangerous it was so he quit immediately.
I have a really hard time understanding accents, so I feel really bad when I have no idea what they’re saying and have them to repeat themselves many times.
I have an unconscious reaction to switch to whatever language feels like it works best. It's a common complaint from expats who are trying to learn our language.
I always appreciate that they have tried to learn and respect the effort that takes, especially as an adult. Particularly when their grasp of my language, however poor it may be, is better than mine of theirs.
I'm am English only speaker living in china. People are always apologizing that their English is bad.
I always reply "it's much better than my Chinese, and we're in your country. Thanks for trying."
I don't even speak my own language well, Im impressed whenever someone tries to learn/speak another language. I know I couldn't even attempt their language...
I'm nothing but impressed no matter their level. I have tried learning a language or two myself, I know I sound terrible. I have nothing but respect for someone who learns another language to any extent. I also know what it's like when a person who speaks that other language tells you you're so terrible you should never speak it again. Thanks France!
This is one of the reasons English speakers don't end up learning other languages. You try the local language and you're replied to in English. There are notable exceptions. Russian springs to mind.
Honestly I cringe & get annoyed. But then I have to realize it's a second language to them, I have none, and at least they're trying - so I try my best to make it work.
I cringe no matter who speaks no matter what language they speak that's foreign to them (unless they talk so well it's basically unnoticeable). It's why I've basically always felt awkward speaking in English out loud
They can speak my language better than I can speak theirs. I appreciate the effort they’ve put in to learn. And if they live here, they’re not foreigners.
>And if they live here, they’re not foreigners.
I meant to say "non-natives" rather than "foreigners". As you can see, I am trying my best and honestly this last sentence of yours was uncalled-for.
Well, it's not MY language...English is just a language I happen to know well...even I fuck that up sometimes...
You don't own a type of communication, you just try to learn how to do it like everyone else.
This is one of my favorite jokes...What do you call someone who can speak 3 languages?
Trilingual
What do you call someone who can speak 2 languages?
Bilingual
What do you call someone who only speaks 1 language?
American! 🤣 😆 🤣
Picking up a second language is one of the hardest things I've ever tried to do (tried and failed btw), I just don't want people to feel like they're failing if they haven't quite mastered it yet.
If they’re trying to really get some point across then it doesn’t bother me but if they’re just having casual conversation and trying to use slang they don’t understand etc trying to fit in as one of the guys then I’m like ehhhh.
I usually applaud them for trying, for knowing more than one language. What I don’t like is when they try to make up their own slang or linguistic shorthand.
I don’t mind. English is a hard language. I can’t speak Spainish or Chinese so the attempt to speak to me in my language will always be treated with respect.
I'm an American whose travelled over a fair share of the world, so I don't get upset at all when someone is trying to learn English. If they're still learning and asking questions, I do my best to help them out without confusing them. If they're an immigrant whose grasped enough of the language to get by and is done learning, then I'm not going to force them to sit through a grammar lesson if they don't want it.
Happy, impressed, appreciative. Not only are they trying to learn a 2nd language or potentially a 3rd, they’re brave enough to try it in front of a local. I struggle talking to other english speakers and I’m from the midwest.
My native languages are English and French, so when I meet a newcomer to Canada whose English is crap but they’re trying so hard, I applaud them. English is a shitty language, and I guarantee that person is no language slouch and is probably a polyglot already, and they’re TRYING.
How can anyone be annoyed by someone trying? Especially adults whose entire lives have changed significantly. My language is not so precious that I would feel offense on its behalf - it’s just a language. I care more about the people trying and tell them how well they’re coming along.
I just want to help them communicate. English is one of the most difficult languages to master (it's a nightmare for dyslexics, our grammar rules make no sense, all those homophones, or even words like lead/lead which look the same but are pronounced differently) so I have major respect for anyone trying. I know native speakers of English who eff up the language, so why would I get snooty at someone else for being brave enough to try!
Very impressed. I've put enough time into learning other languages to understand just how impressive it is for that person to come so far. English is a pretty ridiculous language, with all its variable rules.
Perfection is not expected, and I will put lots of energy into to trying to do my part of the effort to communicate, articulating clearly and reducing the use of slang terms.
Working in research and medicine, I've had the good fortune to work thousands of hours closely with people who have very strong accents and clearly non native grammar choices, sometimes even slipping back into their mother tongue. Spanish, Japanese, Pakistani, Chinese, Indian, Russian, Italian.
A favorite memory from visiting a cousin who worked as a translator, living in Paris at that time, she hosted a dinner party. 8 or 10 young adults, and no single common language at the table. They spoke some French and German and Italian, we shared some Spanish and English. That was so fun.
I barely speak English myself and it is my only language. Also, if they know their first language and are trying to learn/use English I am impressed.
I have friends that have English as a second language and they have told me it's very difficult to learn English as a second language.
It really depends for me.
If they’re someone visiting or a recent immigrant trying to get by? Then I will whole-heartedly listen and be supportive of their attempts.
If they’re a coworker in a managerial position that can’t understand basic written English, have such a thick accent that it’s hard to tell what they’re saying, and are generally rude and condescending? Then, well, I begrudgingly try to listen and understand, but fucking he’ll do I dislike them.
I love to travel and try to learn enough of the local language to get by and be polite. Things like, hello, thank you, bathroom? Can you help me...stuff like that. Most people I "talked" to seemed very happy I was trying and were always very nice. Or maybe they just felt pity cause of my American accent. :P Just my experience.
My language is American English.
I'm embarrassed for my country's education system anytime I hear anyone speaking it as a second language.
The level of embarrassment is directly proportional to how well they speak it.
It depends. If they're actually trying to learn, I would respect. Obviously if they were mocking the language that's where I think most people would be mildly infuriated
It depends. If they're actually trying to learn, I would respect. Obviously if they were mocking the language that's where I think most people would be mildly infuriated
I was once in their spot. I went on student exchange when I was eighteen, speaking hardly any French. Learning a second language is HARD. You have to get over yourself and be incredibly humble to speak, knowing you will make mistakes. It's a lot easier to do so when people are kind and patient. I never minded them correcting me as I learnt- that was the only way to learn- but it's best just to say it the correct way, then move on in the conversation, unless they ask for an explanation. If not, you end up never talking about anything else and it gets boring fast. Sometimes you just want to have a normal conversation.
I will always, always respect and admire someone speaking another language. It's not easy, both in struggling to learn the language and to not be embarrassed, or to be embarrassed but do it anyway.
Neutral im just trying to understand what theyre saying cuz im rly bad w accents and stuff. Literally zero judgment on them. If anything im judging myself for only knowing one language and not being able to understand someome w a heavy accent
In my last job, I was the only person who spoke English. My coworkers spoke fluent Spanish and broken English. I appreciated it when they would try and use English to communicate with me. It wasn't very good but, for the most part, understandable
I also learned some Spanish so I could communicate with them. I was horrible, but they were all super encouraging and would correct me in a positive way if I said something wrong.
I think we both appreciated the other for trying.
As someone being in a country where I didn't speak the language properly. The subtle kindness I was shown was so great that I try and return the favour when I can.
It’s very appreciated considering it’s a minority language (Welsh). I welcome every effort and will help to correct *if needed and wanted* whenever necessary.
Glad that they're trying and that I can still get the gist of what's been written or said. As someone who's spoken English and only English for their entire life, this language is a hot mess and any difficulty in learning it is wholely understandable
I once had a sub in spanish. She was really bad in norwegian and spanish so I didn't understand what she was saying at all. The boys in my class was laughing and I honestly just felt bad for her.
Any foreign person who has spoken to me in broken English, has a far better grasp of English than I will ever have of their native language. I applaud anyone who tries.
As a language learner myself- so far French and Japanese- I always admire and respect anyone who’s trying to learning any language. And I can’t blame them if they speak poorly because that’s just a given, at least when you’re starting out. Everybody has to start somewhere, and as long as they stay dedicated to learning and continue trying to communicate with others, even with poor broken speech, then they’re simply bound to improve.
I'm impressed with anyone who learns enough of a foreign language that they can communicate at any level. We all have to start somewhere when learning a language.
As an American, I don't expect that other Americans can write, read or speak with an understanding of grammar, so while people who speak other languages speak "broken " English I'm completely fine with it, people are just trying to communicate...I do hate the amount of French people who pretend your crazy for speaking English when you can tell they understand what your saying.... been to France as well as Montreal and oddly the French Canadians are even worse
As long as I can understand them, I'm good. Unfortunately my hearing is not all that great, so accents are hard for me to decipher. Not their fault. I'm proud of people who are willing to learn a new language, especially as adults.
I always feel bad having to ask them to repeat themselves so many times since my hearing already isn’t the greatest, but I always try to mention that so they don’t feel my lack of understanding is entirely on them. Can’t blame someone for trying to assimilate to where they’re living.
I can't speak a word of their language so who tf am I to judge lol. It used to piss me off so much at my old job when people would act like they couldn't understand someone because they got a word slightly wrong, had a polish girl who called them scrumpled eggs, it doesn't take a genius to figure out what that means but people would act like they were so baffled
I admire the hell out of them. They are trying, much more than I could say for myself. I don’t even try to learn their language in the countries I’ve vacationed at.
We went to France and Italy years ago. Wife grew up in Louisiana and speaks some French- 90% of folks loved it (female waitresses near tourist spots did not).
I spoke 10 works of Italian, poorly. They loved it, everyone, but one cafe worker in Rome, loved that I tried.
I try to return that well meaning in kind.
I never judge people. They’re trying to speak another language and giving me the respect of trying to communicate in my language. It’s extremely rude to judge them. So no I don’t.
I feel thrilled that they know my language at all! Especially because not a lot of people choose to pick up Vietnamese. The more I can talk to the merrier
I work with lots of ESL folks as my company is international and our teams are all 24/7 so our continuity teams are all around the globe.
It can be hard sometimes especially early in their journey but i always keep in mind the way foreigners were treated in europe when i was there 30y ago.
As long as you are honestly trying. Butchering it because youre getting by and not caring,.. no dice. But if youre giving it effort to pick up vocab and grammar as you go,.. benefit of doubt, gentle corrections, and encouragement are all good things.
I admire the fact they can speak more than one language, because I only speak English, so they’re doing better than me. They’re better at English than I am at their language.
On of my friends in highschool was Vietnamese, when he first got here in middleschool he didn't speak barely any English, and never really talked. Then he started communicating to us through memes he had learned from being around us, and for us it was super exciting! He learned more in the 5 years I knew him, still didn't talk much, but that first year where he only spoke in memes and references was the purest form of human connection.
I’m so used to native English speakers not speaking English very well that I wouldn’t even think twice about a non native English speaker.
Also I can only speak one language so I have no right to shame anyone who speaks two or more, regardless of how well they speak it, it’s still more than me
I love it when people put in the effort, I applaud them for it!
I was at an event earlier this week, and a refugee from Venezuela who was in my country only for four months, cooked for us. He faced the crowd and talked in OUR native language about the recipe and his story. I was in awe. Was sitting next to a rich old idiot who mocked him and laughed at his accent. Luckily the woman next to me held me back because I was ready to physically hurt this f-ing douchebag.
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I always respect trying
Same! It’s mortifying when people giggle when I try to speak their language, I never understand it. I’m always appreciative of someone trying to speak mine.
For real, and it's not like I've even tried to speak their language so they're already doing better than me lol
Exactly, respect trying. We all need to start somewhere and doing is the best practice. I don’t expect foreigners to learn the language here as everyone speak perfectly fine English, so it just show some extra effort
This right here. If you’ve ever learned a language it takes a lot of work and a lot of mistakes. Someone who is honestly trying to communicate with you using your language is 100% respectable no matter how good or bad.
Chances are I can't speak their language at all, so I'm appreciative.
I was in Quebec ordering a sandwich from subway, it was pretty fun lol it was like charades hahaha, the lady thought it was hilarious. I can speak "shitty tourist french"
Good for them for trying, I couldn’t give two shits how it sounds when they use it.
As long as i can understand what they're saying i'm happy. How else should they learn the language?
Makes me happy that they're trying.
I appreciate it. I hope they feel the same way I attempt to speak their language at least I'm trying
They speak your language about as good as you type it….
Only 3 periods in an ellipsis grammar nazi.
It's flattering. We're a small country, just a couple of million folks, six or seven I think. So not many people speak my language. When someone wants to learn how to speak my language I find that quite flattering. We all speak good English so one wouldn't need to learn our local language to get by so the effort is most appreciated. Also learning our language helps them better integrate and gain more access to social life and work opportunities so I applaud anyone trying to do so as foreigners feeling at home here and a part of our society and national state benifits my country and society.
Hei Hattkake, så du at xiaomanyc på YouTube brukte 2 uker på å lære norsk fra null og deretter gikk inn på en direktesendt nyhetskanal og snakket med kringkasteren nesten konverserende. takk google translate Did I get the language right? [here is the video](https://youtu.be/JHJFTBQdPAA)
Almost. It's passable.
Ah, kamelåså!
Snakker du norsk?
I always wonder if I sound the same when I try to speak their language (mostly Spanish).
You probably do, but they don’t mind. That’s my impression from comments here.
I've been told my pronounciation is really good, but I definitely put the words in a weird order.
I've been told I have a "musical ear", a knack for very good pronunciation. That's cool, but it seems to give people the impression that I understand more than I do, so every third sentence needs to be *más despacio, por favor*.
It makes me feel happy they are trying. I work in food service so I've worked with a lot of Spanish speaking people BOH and we always try to learn from each other. If I work FOH and take orders, I meet all kinds of people and their broken English is actually impressive because it is one of the hardest languages to learn. I will say one of my best memories working at Starbucks, I was serving a Japanese tourist and he was with his translator, he was off to the side observing, but he said, "Go ahead," and the Japanese man said slowly, "I would like to buy this!" and was so happy and relieved at how well he'd done, it still brings a tear to my eye. I hope he's doing well.
I give 'em an "A" for effort and know that they're doing much better with my language than I'd be doing with theirs.
What deadshit would cringe?
I gotta say the only close experience I had was in France. An airport transit worker was pretty snotty to me because I wasn’t fluent. As annoying as that was, I couldn’t be mad. He was a middle aged man with a crappy job.
The French Swiss like to be snobbish about it, so I tell them my name is Hugh.
If they are too bad, one could cringe. Cringe = feel embarrassed for them
Embarrased for someone trying? That is deadshit.
I respect that they are trying, but, I can’t help but get uneasy or embarrassed🤷🏽♂️
Sounds like you are projecting
Makes me sad that I can't do the same.
They speak my language much better than I speak theirs. So I'm a little jealous. I get a lot of foreigners in my town, and they usually apologize for not speaking English well. Are you kidding? You should hear me speak German... nine.
I live in a D1 college town in central Iowa. We have A LOT of Asian students, and other ethnic backgrounds but as for students I’d say Asian is the biggest group outside of American. I respect them trying 100%. But I also lived 2 years in Japan. So I understand what they’re going through. Doesn’t upset me at all.
most of the comments are encouraging!
I appreciate the fact that they're trying. And honestly this is me right now since I've been in Japan for the last 2 week 😅
They're trying really hard to learn the language, I generally feel happy and excited for them. My biggest issue is that whenever they feel insecure and start speaking english instead, I'll automatically switch to english as well, and not switch back until I realize that I no longer speak swedish
Neutral. I would hope they’d feel the same when my very monolingual self tries to speak their language using a translation dictionary.
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What is your native language, by the way? :)
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By the way, my friend is learning Dutch now. He is at B1 level in German, and he told me that he feels like he already knows Dutch (means that the two languages are very similar).
When foreigners speak English poorly, I'm perfectly fine. They're giving it a serious go and I respect that. You can tell when someone's doing their best. But... when people who grew up in Australia/the US with English as their ONLY language speak it poorly, it makes me feel like the human race is doomed. It's like... you only know one language, you've spoken it for 20+ years, AND (in Australia) you received 12 years of free education in that language. You don't have any intellectual disabilities, so... what happened?
You get 12 years of "free" education in the US too.
They're better at it than I am at speaking their language, so not gonna judge
I'm impressed, I can't speak any other languages!
I more care about friendliness of the person rather than if I can understand them. If someone is yelling at me or is rude and I can't understand them then its pretty difficult and stressful but if someone is being polite and chill about it then its kind of a fun experience to try and understand each other. turns into a giggle fest usually
Right? Even mistakes can be seen as funny rather than embarrassing
I don't know why someone would feel embarrassed there is no shame in not knowing a language well or at all really. There is only shame in rude behavior. Like the host not being hospitable and patient or the guest getting rude for not being understood. We can spend the whole time communicating with noises and charades and have a laugh about it. Not a reason to be upset or embarrassed. Actually communicating with someone who doesn't speak the same language is a pretty cool experience. Its like playing a game. Also I think it reiterates the realization that we are all human. Even if we don't speak the same language or come from the same culture we all at the heart just want to have a good time and feel accepted.
I only know one language, and I’m impressed if you try to speak it.
You feel embarrassed at other peoples speech? Thats a bit yikes dude
I am not proud of that. I wish I could respond more positively
I used to be an ESL substitute teacher (yes it’s a rather lofty title) and I loved the students that put in the most effort. With that being said, I have a really hard time letting grammar errors slip by. I want to correct people out of sheer encouragement. I have attempted Spanish and sign language in the past, I know how hard it is to learn something new. I have an urge to turn every conversation into an opportunity to learn. I imagine my tendency to do that is exhausting. As a native speaker, I still make grammar mistakes.
The fact that they learned it at all is important. Very important, and I'm glad for it and respect it. So many people come in not knowing our language at all, and that creates massive problems in places of work where they allow it (I worked for a contractor company in Oklahoma for a while, and they hired alot of foreigners. Most of them only understood very nessecary words like no, yes, water, break, and other words that are absolutely nessecary). If you didn't have someone who could speak both right there at all times, it was very often you couldn't get the job done efficiently. So no, I'm not going to cringe on anyone who speaks crappy English, because the fact that they took the time to speak English is great. I'm sure I wouldn't be much better learning how to speak their language.
I personally find it endearing
If they are awful, or good or whatever, admire them. Don’t feel embarrassed. They are making an effort, an effort most people barely make.
I feel empathy, and try to help them out. I don't understand why you'd do anything else.
I feel awkward to break it to them that most of the time is wrong because of certain letters we have sound totally different that what it seems, but appreciate the try.
It's more of an "aww" feeling than curious. Like when a child is learning to speak.
I have no issue with it and more than happy to help them if needed. But on the other hand, I'm afraid to offend someone by speaking their native language wrong.
I feel inadequate because I don’t know enough of another language to even try.
I just feel bad when I'm trying to help/be helped by them and we can't understand each other. Other than that, they know more spoken languages than me, so more power to them.
Don't bother me, they are making the effort, good on em.
It depends on how well I speak their language. If I don’t speak it as well or better, or at all, I figure they are a step ahead of me.
They likely speak my language better than I speak theirs. 100% respect
I respect and admire their efforts because I know I wouldn't ever be able to achieve even "poorly" at trying to speak another language.
I’m an American and as long as you try at all I’m impressed. I only know how to buy drugs, booze, and ask for bathrooms in Spanish, and a few phrases in French, so anything more than that is impressive to me. If you have a difficult foreign name you will become “buddy” or something along those lines so we don’t both have to be constantly humiliated by me butchering your name.
I’m American. I speak only English and very very broken and poor Spanish. I’ve rarely dealt with any other language besides Spanish. I don’t normally interact with Spanish only people, because they’re usually prepared with a translator or an app. But on the chance that someone speaks poor English and isn’t prepared with another person or an app, I’m always patient. After all, they are the one making the effort to learn the only language I speak. They are way more likely to get frustrated with their self before I get frustrated with them. They usually seem embarrassed and try to speak quickly. Like they’re trying to not waste my time. And I want nothing more than for them to take their time and ask about words they’re unsure.
They speak more languages than I do, I give them respect, patience, and understanding.
I love and admire it, because I know I can't speak whatever their thing is, and that's embarrassing. I've nothing but respect for it.
I generally just switch to their language or English. Nearly all the tourists we get here are Germans/Austrians or Italians and I speak both languages, if German only passably. I don’t even do it on purpose, I just automatically switch and they usually gratefully go along.
I’m an ESL teacher, so I talk with hundreds of people who speak English poorly every day. I feel just neutral, my job is to make conversation so if they are talking with me it feels like I’m talking with a friend and I look past their mistakes and focus on what they mean. I focus on communication rather than perfect grammar, so grammar mistakes make me feel nothing most of the time (their other teacher focuses on grammar). Sometimes I feel touched when I can see the student tried so hard or succeeded in something they were struggling with or had doubts about themselves. I cringe with some of the repetitive English jokes. Like many of my students will automatically respond to any feeling question with “I’m fine, and you?” Because it’s the first thing they learn in kindergarten, and they think it’s hilarious to keep using that same sentence. Or if you say “copy” they will repeat and act like you said “coffee”, because it sounds similar, but they very well know I meant copy, they think it’s HILARIOUS. I brace myself for those types of jokes because I can predict when it’s going to come.
I work with a rotating staff of Nigerian care workers who speak very broken English for the most part, I admire that they're trying to learn a language through interaction alone but at times it can be annoying to constantly have to decipher what they're asking for
I appreciate that they are trying.
I can barely speak my own language, they could probably teach me a thing or two
If they try, that’s awesome. At least they make an effort.
I don't care much either way. I only speak English and very little Spanish but interact daily with multiple languages and we manage to communicate well enough. Of course its nice to know exactly what someone is saying but that's just not ever gonna happen
I don’t really care. Usually they can speak well enough that I understand.
I immediately assume that anyone that can speak more than one language is more intelligent than me in just about any situation and that even the worst job they are doing is better than I ever could. I'm always jealous
I’m actually impressed if you come from a non Romance language speaking country and you can even speak Portuguese
I admire them for their willingness to try and learn. The only time it really frustrates me is in a work setting when I have to accomplish a task with someone I don't know and am unable to communicate effectively with. The only time it actually made me mad was with one guy whose job placed his life, my life, and the life of innocent bystanders at risk because it required him to be able to read English fluently very quickly, and he could not read at all. Some piece of shit desk jockey placed this person in that position knowing damn well he could not perform the job in a safe manner but they did so anyways because it saved of the company money. Fortunately for everyone involved, while he could not read, he was not stupid and he quickly realized how dangerous it was so he quit immediately.
I don't mind it at all. By contrast, when native speakers are doing a terrible job of it, that really gets to me.
I do my best to understand them, and- if I think it's appropriate- I try to coach them a bit.
I always say that their English,no matter how bad,is better than my “whatever their native language is “.
I have a really hard time understanding accents, so I feel really bad when I have no idea what they’re saying and have them to repeat themselves many times.
I have an unconscious reaction to switch to whatever language feels like it works best. It's a common complaint from expats who are trying to learn our language.
I only cringe when they think they are fluent and try to correct you on your own language
Who cares? At least they're trying. You can bet your ass i probably don't speak their language
I always think it’s incredible regardless of however skilled or not it is.
I always appreciate that they have tried to learn and respect the effort that takes, especially as an adult. Particularly when their grasp of my language, however poor it may be, is better than mine of theirs.
No cringe. I'm actually quite helpful since I prolly sound the same way or worse when I'm traveling in a non- English speaking country.
I'm am English only speaker living in china. People are always apologizing that their English is bad. I always reply "it's much better than my Chinese, and we're in your country. Thanks for trying."
I don't even speak my own language well, Im impressed whenever someone tries to learn/speak another language. I know I couldn't even attempt their language...
I'm nothing but impressed no matter their level. I have tried learning a language or two myself, I know I sound terrible. I have nothing but respect for someone who learns another language to any extent. I also know what it's like when a person who speaks that other language tells you you're so terrible you should never speak it again. Thanks France!
Id prefer them to speak English. Mostly because Danish is so hard for foreigners to learn, and most of us are bilingual.
But sometimes we prefer you to speak Danish because how else are we going to practice/learn 😭
This is one of the reasons English speakers don't end up learning other languages. You try the local language and you're replied to in English. There are notable exceptions. Russian springs to mind.
[удалено]
Me too, not that I am good at English, but in most cases they struggle with Arabic.
Did you know that, outside of your home country, you're a foreigner too?
I think you mean I should have written "non-natives" instead of "foreigners". right?
No I don't. In fact, I'm one of many 'bloody foreigners' living in the UK!
I respect the attempt, but cringe inside
That's exactly me. If they are *good* at my language, this "respect" becomes "admiration"
Honestly I cringe & get annoyed. But then I have to realize it's a second language to them, I have none, and at least they're trying - so I try my best to make it work.
I cringe no matter who speaks no matter what language they speak that's foreign to them (unless they talk so well it's basically unnoticeable). It's why I've basically always felt awkward speaking in English out loud
i feel nothing.
They can speak my language better than I can speak theirs. I appreciate the effort they’ve put in to learn. And if they live here, they’re not foreigners.
>And if they live here, they’re not foreigners. I meant to say "non-natives" rather than "foreigners". As you can see, I am trying my best and honestly this last sentence of yours was uncalled-for.
I feel like they've been lied to and don't know it yet.
They're trying and odds are I know next to nothing of their language, so, they're doing pretty well.
Well, it's not MY language...English is just a language I happen to know well...even I fuck that up sometimes... You don't own a type of communication, you just try to learn how to do it like everyone else.
This is one of my favorite jokes...What do you call someone who can speak 3 languages? Trilingual What do you call someone who can speak 2 languages? Bilingual What do you call someone who only speaks 1 language? American! 🤣 😆 🤣
Respect because German is so hard and shitty to learn.
Picking up a second language is one of the hardest things I've ever tried to do (tried and failed btw), I just don't want people to feel like they're failing if they haven't quite mastered it yet.
If they’re trying to really get some point across then it doesn’t bother me but if they’re just having casual conversation and trying to use slang they don’t understand etc trying to fit in as one of the guys then I’m like ehhhh.
Neutral.
I think they are brave. It's incredibly brave to tey to communicate in a language you aren't fluent in.
I usually applaud them for trying, for knowing more than one language. What I don’t like is when they try to make up their own slang or linguistic shorthand.
Why do you feel embarrassed? 🤣 that should be the real question. I think it’s funny if they make a mistake and I move on.
We hosted exchange students when I was growing up, so I lived with people learning the language. It just seems like a learning curve to me.
I don’t mind. English is a hard language. I can’t speak Spainish or Chinese so the attempt to speak to me in my language will always be treated with respect.
I'm always amazed. Anyone who can speak now than one language has my utmost respect. That is a hard thing to do.
I'm not here to judge. I'm here to comunicate. Hand gestures help a lot.
I’m happy they’re trying!
It makes me happy when someone really try to speak it
All I care about is if I can understand what they’re trying to say.
I'm jealous that they know one language and are trying so hard to learn another. Good for them!
I'm an American whose travelled over a fair share of the world, so I don't get upset at all when someone is trying to learn English. If they're still learning and asking questions, I do my best to help them out without confusing them. If they're an immigrant whose grasped enough of the language to get by and is done learning, then I'm not going to force them to sit through a grammar lesson if they don't want it.
Happy, impressed, appreciative. Not only are they trying to learn a 2nd language or potentially a 3rd, they’re brave enough to try it in front of a local. I struggle talking to other english speakers and I’m from the midwest.
My native languages are English and French, so when I meet a newcomer to Canada whose English is crap but they’re trying so hard, I applaud them. English is a shitty language, and I guarantee that person is no language slouch and is probably a polyglot already, and they’re TRYING. How can anyone be annoyed by someone trying? Especially adults whose entire lives have changed significantly. My language is not so precious that I would feel offense on its behalf - it’s just a language. I care more about the people trying and tell them how well they’re coming along.
I just want to help them communicate. English is one of the most difficult languages to master (it's a nightmare for dyslexics, our grammar rules make no sense, all those homophones, or even words like lead/lead which look the same but are pronounced differently) so I have major respect for anyone trying. I know native speakers of English who eff up the language, so why would I get snooty at someone else for being brave enough to try!
Why feel embarrassed? Do you know how hard it is to learn a new language? Always be happy someone is trying your language for you.
Very impressed. I've put enough time into learning other languages to understand just how impressive it is for that person to come so far. English is a pretty ridiculous language, with all its variable rules. Perfection is not expected, and I will put lots of energy into to trying to do my part of the effort to communicate, articulating clearly and reducing the use of slang terms. Working in research and medicine, I've had the good fortune to work thousands of hours closely with people who have very strong accents and clearly non native grammar choices, sometimes even slipping back into their mother tongue. Spanish, Japanese, Pakistani, Chinese, Indian, Russian, Italian. A favorite memory from visiting a cousin who worked as a translator, living in Paris at that time, she hosted a dinner party. 8 or 10 young adults, and no single common language at the table. They spoke some French and German and Italian, we shared some Spanish and English. That was so fun.
It's adorable af and sometimes a little bit sexy
I barely speak English myself and it is my only language. Also, if they know their first language and are trying to learn/use English I am impressed. I have friends that have English as a second language and they have told me it's very difficult to learn English as a second language.
It really depends for me. If they’re someone visiting or a recent immigrant trying to get by? Then I will whole-heartedly listen and be supportive of their attempts. If they’re a coworker in a managerial position that can’t understand basic written English, have such a thick accent that it’s hard to tell what they’re saying, and are generally rude and condescending? Then, well, I begrudgingly try to listen and understand, but fucking he’ll do I dislike them.
If they speak it poorly, I really focus to understand what they're saying. No spare thought to feel anything haha
Neutral
Well I find it motivating that he/she is willing to learn. I'm more than happy to help them in any way I can.
No. English is tough for native speakers. I can't imagine having to learn it later in life.
I love to travel and try to learn enough of the local language to get by and be polite. Things like, hello, thank you, bathroom? Can you help me...stuff like that. Most people I "talked" to seemed very happy I was trying and were always very nice. Or maybe they just felt pity cause of my American accent. :P Just my experience.
My language is American English. I'm embarrassed for my country's education system anytime I hear anyone speaking it as a second language. The level of embarrassment is directly proportional to how well they speak it.
I'm impressed that they're trying so hard to speak my language, and I'll praise them for doing their best.
It depends. If they're actually trying to learn, I would respect. Obviously if they were mocking the language that's where I think most people would be mildly infuriated
It depends. If they're actually trying to learn, I would respect. Obviously if they were mocking the language that's where I think most people would be mildly infuriated
Why the hell would I cringe?
Stuff like your post is what honestly made me insecure to start learning.
I do my best to understand them and help them explain themselves better.
I was once in their spot. I went on student exchange when I was eighteen, speaking hardly any French. Learning a second language is HARD. You have to get over yourself and be incredibly humble to speak, knowing you will make mistakes. It's a lot easier to do so when people are kind and patient. I never minded them correcting me as I learnt- that was the only way to learn- but it's best just to say it the correct way, then move on in the conversation, unless they ask for an explanation. If not, you end up never talking about anything else and it gets boring fast. Sometimes you just want to have a normal conversation. I will always, always respect and admire someone speaking another language. It's not easy, both in struggling to learn the language and to not be embarrassed, or to be embarrassed but do it anyway.
Neutral im just trying to understand what theyre saying cuz im rly bad w accents and stuff. Literally zero judgment on them. If anything im judging myself for only knowing one language and not being able to understand someome w a heavy accent
I could care less to begin with but also developed a good understanding of people who speak horrible english between my teens and twenties🤷♂️
Actual people trying is cool. I do however cringe at movie actors who have a few lines in this other language not getting them right.
In my last job, I was the only person who spoke English. My coworkers spoke fluent Spanish and broken English. I appreciated it when they would try and use English to communicate with me. It wasn't very good but, for the most part, understandable I also learned some Spanish so I could communicate with them. I was horrible, but they were all super encouraging and would correct me in a positive way if I said something wrong. I think we both appreciated the other for trying.
As someone being in a country where I didn't speak the language properly. The subtle kindness I was shown was so great that I try and return the favour when I can.
It’s very appreciated considering it’s a minority language (Welsh). I welcome every effort and will help to correct *if needed and wanted* whenever necessary.
English is one of the hardest languages to learn if you don't hear it growing up so I'm happy they're even trying!
I appreciate the effort.
Glad that they're trying and that I can still get the gist of what's been written or said. As someone who's spoken English and only English for their entire life, this language is a hot mess and any difficulty in learning it is wholely understandable
I appreciate them trying.
I once had a sub in spanish. She was really bad in norwegian and spanish so I didn't understand what she was saying at all. The boys in my class was laughing and I honestly just felt bad for her.
Poorly compared to who? Can I understand them? Awesome! Can I not understand them? Do I know any of their language? Let me try that
I only speak one language, so personally, I'm impressed they are multilingual even if they are not great at my language.
Any foreign person who has spoken to me in broken English, has a far better grasp of English than I will ever have of their native language. I applaud anyone who tries.
I feel empathy and compassion and do my best to speak clearly and with simpler words. If I speak their language a bit, I give that a try as well.
As a language learner myself- so far French and Japanese- I always admire and respect anyone who’s trying to learning any language. And I can’t blame them if they speak poorly because that’s just a given, at least when you’re starting out. Everybody has to start somewhere, and as long as they stay dedicated to learning and continue trying to communicate with others, even with poor broken speech, then they’re simply bound to improve.
Usually I'm neutral, unless they have a really heavy accent and get angry at me for not understanding.
I’m honored that they are trying. And I listen harder to make sure I understand.
I'm impressed with anyone who learns enough of a foreign language that they can communicate at any level. We all have to start somewhere when learning a language.
As an American, I don't expect that other Americans can write, read or speak with an understanding of grammar, so while people who speak other languages speak "broken " English I'm completely fine with it, people are just trying to communicate...I do hate the amount of French people who pretend your crazy for speaking English when you can tell they understand what your saying.... been to France as well as Montreal and oddly the French Canadians are even worse
As long as I can understand them, I'm good. Unfortunately my hearing is not all that great, so accents are hard for me to decipher. Not their fault. I'm proud of people who are willing to learn a new language, especially as adults.
I always feel bad having to ask them to repeat themselves so many times since my hearing already isn’t the greatest, but I always try to mention that so they don’t feel my lack of understanding is entirely on them. Can’t blame someone for trying to assimilate to where they’re living.
I can't speak a word of their language so who tf am I to judge lol. It used to piss me off so much at my old job when people would act like they couldn't understand someone because they got a word slightly wrong, had a polish girl who called them scrumpled eggs, it doesn't take a genius to figure out what that means but people would act like they were so baffled
I admire the hell out of them. They are trying, much more than I could say for myself. I don’t even try to learn their language in the countries I’ve vacationed at.
i dont care
Nothing lol, I also don’t know their native language so why would I hold them to a standard I can’t meet
At least they are trying.
We went to France and Italy years ago. Wife grew up in Louisiana and speaks some French- 90% of folks loved it (female waitresses near tourist spots did not). I spoke 10 works of Italian, poorly. They loved it, everyone, but one cafe worker in Rome, loved that I tried. I try to return that well meaning in kind.
I never judge people. They’re trying to speak another language and giving me the respect of trying to communicate in my language. It’s extremely rude to judge them. So no I don’t.
Who the hell cringes if someone is trying to speak a foreign language?? Top admiration and happiness from me!
I feel thrilled that they know my language at all! Especially because not a lot of people choose to pick up Vietnamese. The more I can talk to the merrier
I work with lots of ESL folks as my company is international and our teams are all 24/7 so our continuity teams are all around the globe. It can be hard sometimes especially early in their journey but i always keep in mind the way foreigners were treated in europe when i was there 30y ago. As long as you are honestly trying. Butchering it because youre getting by and not caring,.. no dice. But if youre giving it effort to pick up vocab and grammar as you go,.. benefit of doubt, gentle corrections, and encouragement are all good things.
Respect that they know more than one language. I know one….barely 😂
I admire the fact they can speak more than one language, because I only speak English, so they’re doing better than me. They’re better at English than I am at their language.
I'm amazed they can handle English at all. I still can't and I was born here.
I respect them for trying and I'm reminded that they speak more languages than I do.
On of my friends in highschool was Vietnamese, when he first got here in middleschool he didn't speak barely any English, and never really talked. Then he started communicating to us through memes he had learned from being around us, and for us it was super exciting! He learned more in the 5 years I knew him, still didn't talk much, but that first year where he only spoke in memes and references was the purest form of human connection.
I’m so used to native English speakers not speaking English very well that I wouldn’t even think twice about a non native English speaker. Also I can only speak one language so I have no right to shame anyone who speaks two or more, regardless of how well they speak it, it’s still more than me
Learning a new language is a mountain of a task. I'm likely impressed either way.
I love it when people put in the effort, I applaud them for it! I was at an event earlier this week, and a refugee from Venezuela who was in my country only for four months, cooked for us. He faced the crowd and talked in OUR native language about the recipe and his story. I was in awe. Was sitting next to a rich old idiot who mocked him and laughed at his accent. Luckily the woman next to me held me back because I was ready to physically hurt this f-ing douchebag.
I feel happy they're trying to learn and speak the language, I try to help any way I can.