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Ungrateful Natives | ||
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 Language Learning Forum : Cultural Experiences in Foreign Languages |  | |
| Ari Heptaglot Senior Member Norway Joined 6579 days ago 2314 posts - 5695 votes  Speaks: Swedish*, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Cantonese Studies: Czech, Latin, German | Message 121 of 139 27 September 2010 at 5:39pm | IP Logged | |||||
Oh, what wouldn't I give for people to be uninterested and apathetic towards my language learning. Every friggin' time I open my mouth I'm met with "Oh, you're so fantastic! Your Mandarin is so excellent! I'ts better than mine, oh you're so smart!" It really grates on my nerves. I cannot imagine what it must be like to grow up as a white kid in China. Imagine hearing that every time you talk to your fellow countrymen in your native tongue. A large plate of ungrateful natives this way, please. 2 persons have voted this message useful | ||||||
| maydayayday Pentaglot Senior Member United Kingdom Joined 5216 days ago 564 posts - 839 votes Speaks: English*, German, Italian, SpanishB2, FrenchB2 Studies: Arabic (Egyptian), Russian, Swedish, Turkish, Polish, Persian, Vietnamese Studies: Urdu | Message 122 of 139 27 September 2010 at 6:14pm | IP Logged | |||||
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I agree, it is a little rude of 'the natives' to make fun of your mistakes BUT can you imagine what they could be saying if you didn't speak any of their language at all?
You understand the insults so consider that a huge step forward from Joe Tourist who isn't into language. Improve your language to their level: then correct THEIR grammar. Thats always fun! Edited by maydayayday on 27 September 2010 at 6:15pm 2 persons have voted this message useful | ||||||
| jasoninchina Senior Member China Joined 5228 days ago 221 posts - 306 votes Speaks: English* Studies: Mandarin, Italian | Message 123 of 139 27 September 2010 at 6:53pm | IP Logged | |||||
You just made my day Ari! Oh, what wouldn't I give to be able to walk down the street without people giggling at me or pointing me out to their friends, let alone what happens when I open my mouth. I'll take a double portion of disinterested natives. 1 person has voted this message useful | ||||||
| fireflies Senior Member Joined 5178 days ago 172 posts - 234 votes Speaks: English* | Message 124 of 139 27 September 2010 at 7:53pm | IP Logged | |||||
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I have always been polite to those who don't know English well. English is no big mystery and it just takes practice (like all languages and all skills). I would go out of my way to help with any questions.
I have always had good learning experiences with Spanish. As far as new languages, I'd try and make sure I knew what I was doing before I tried then out. After reading this thread I'd be especially careful with trying French out! 1 person has voted this message useful | ||||||
| ronmiel Newbie United Kingdom Joined 5239 days ago 23 posts - 23 votes Speaks: English* | Message 125 of 139 27 September 2010 at 9:35pm | IP Logged | |||||
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I went to Fuetreventura a few months ago and used my very limited Spanish. I was treated like just some guy who was buying stuff or asking questions, which is just how i want it, i received no praise or insults. I just want to communicate in the native language of wherever i go, i expect no praise or gratitude from anyone.
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| fireflies Senior Member Joined 5178 days ago 172 posts - 234 votes Speaks: English* | Message 126 of 139 28 September 2010 at 12:31am | IP Logged | |||||
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Its something you should do by default. I do not expect gratitude either because I am not grateful when people learn English in the US.
I have only travelled to French Canada which is traditionally bilingual. If I travelled as far as France (or anywhere else) I would spend a good deal of time studying for it so as not to seem rude. 1 person has voted this message useful | ||||||
| BiaHuda Triglot Groupie Vietnam Joined 5360 days ago 97 posts - 127 votes Speaks: English*, Spanish, Vietnamese Studies: Cantonese | Message 127 of 139 28 September 2010 at 6:46am | IP Logged | |||||
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I work with a Peruvian guy who is often mocked and riduculed about his English speaking abilities. Someone even went so far as to photoshop his face onto a body of a Mariachi complete with a huge purple sombrero. This in itself clearly demonstates the level of ignorance of some people. Most people know that Sombreros are Mexican and not Peruvian.
This guy is obviosly hurt and embarrased by these comments. Ođđly when I mentioned this to a coworker who is one of the worst offenders he was quite surprised. He felt this was just good natured kiđđing and no offence would be taken. For the record the victim of the abuse is very well liked. I can say this though, native English speakers show little mercy to anyone who hasn't reached an acceptable level of proficiency.I don't see why it should be different anywhere else but fortunately, for me at least, other cultures are alot more tolerant. 1 person has voted this message useful | ||||||
| fireflies Senior Member Joined 5178 days ago 172 posts - 234 votes Speaks: English* | Message 128 of 139 28 September 2010 at 5:31pm | IP Logged | |||||
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^ Wow that sounds as uncomfortable as an episode of The Office.
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