Speaking Another Language in Front of English-speaking Friends

Neo_Version 7 · Apr 5, 2010

How often do you find yourself with a group of friends when one of them starts speaking to you in a language nobody but you and him understand? I tend to keep the conversation brief and it usually is a trivial matter. Though I'm aware of how rude it is, I find that sometimes it comes out naturally.

How do you react in such a situation?

akatsuki · Apr 5, 2010

Unless they don't speak a common language with your other friends, just say "Let's talk in English (or whatever the common language is)"

See, that wasn't so difficult, was it?

scarphe · Apr 5, 2010

usually if i need to that i usually ask permission of the group first and keep it brief. if 2 start having a converstation in a langauge that is nto the common language of the group without informing the group, i onsider them rude. the exception would be of course if the groupd doesnto have a common language.

i usually never do it on the rare occasion it is usually a business matter and i may ask for some privacy or time to confer with the other person.

Agent GQ · Apr 5, 2010

Originally Posted by scarphe

usually if i need to that i usually ask permission of the group first and keep it brief. if 2 start having a converstation in a langauge that is nto the common language of the group without informing the group, i onsider them rude. the exception would be of course if the groupd doesnto have a common language.

i usually never do it on the rare occasion it is usually a business matter and i may ask for some privacy or time to confer with the other person.

Do you also ask them if you can go to the bathroom? Be a real man and do as you wish. You're acting like a ***** and showing where you stand on the totem pole of men in your group and of society as a whole.

Connemara · Apr 5, 2010

Do you speak the language of love when in the presence of Jamie?

voxsartoria · Apr 5, 2010

Â¿QuÃ

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- B

samblau · Apr 5, 2010

In NYC I cannot believe it when Spanish speaking people say something disparaging when many Americans know at least enough to understand when they are being mocked. Then again, I've been told by my Salvadorian friend not to try and speak Spanish to people who clearly do not understand English as its "offensive." And by mocked I mean a notable incident in which a Chipolte manager was telling the staff to give the gringos less.

As for friends, some languages don't translate perfectly in to English...if a comment is prefaced by an "excuse me" or followed by a "we said" its cool w me and if a friend/relative who doesn't speak English is around it does not bother me at all if people need to take a minute to get them up to speed; if anything I feel bad they need to hear the nonsens coming out of my mouth.

redcaimen · Apr 6, 2010

Originally Posted by Agent GQ

Do you also ask them if you can go to the bathroom? Be a real man and do as you wish. You're acting like a ***** and showing where you stand on the totem pole of men in your group and of society as a whole.

Real men dont do as they wish. Decency, maturity and good manners constrain them. You would have to be an incredibly insecure man to be fearful that courtesy could be interpreted as weakness. Either that or your about 14 and just dont know any better.

musick · Apr 6, 2010

Originally Posted by Neo_Version 7

How often do you find yourself with a group of friends when one of them starts speaking to you in a language nobody but you and him understand? I tend to keep the conversation brief and it usually is a trivial matter. Though I'm aware of how rude it is, I find that sometimes it comes out naturally.

How do you react in such a situation?

The occasions are few (Italian) and FAR (Hungarian) between, but I would never turn down an opportunity to hone my linguistic skills - even though I sound like a marsupialed 2-yr. old when I attempt Magyar.

BP348 · Apr 6, 2010

My wife and all her brothers and sisters grew up speaking Spanish so I think it's pretty natural for them to switch to Spanish when ever they get together.

I'm by no means fluent in Spanish but I get by OK. It really dosen't bother me if they talk in Spanish around me because I'm not shy about asking what a word means if I need too, but after a while they do loose me.

I live in Texas so having people speak Spanish around or near me is common.

Eason · Apr 6, 2010

Only do it if there's a reason. My brother and I will speak Chinese if we're planning something debaucherous or planning a joke, but finish saying what you need to say and then go back to the main language. Edit: This is obviously assuming everybody speaks English well. If I'm out with some peeps who don't speak English well then I don't expect them to try and speak English all the time, it makes me feel awkward and imposing.

Listi · Apr 6, 2010

I am not usually bothered by people speaking in other languages in front of me. I understand the offense if you are the only one who doesn't speak it, or if the non-English conversation goes on for a very extended amount of time. But usually it's okay, or at least nothing to get worked up over. Of course, mentioning what was said is the politest way to end such a conversation, but it is not always necessary.

Sartorialiste · Apr 7, 2010

I find it annoying when a Chinese person speaks Chinese to me when there are people present that wouldn't understand.

I'll tell them to stop because the others don't understand.

pseudonym · Apr 7, 2010

I just slip right into Spanish with friends whenever. Most feel taken aback.

How the **** does an Asian guy speak perfect Spanish?

MrG · Apr 7, 2010

I don't think I'd react at all. I'm not going to stand up and tell them it's rude to speak in a language no one else can understand, but I do think it's rude. It's akin to whispering between two people when they're in a group.

Speaking Another Language in Front of English-speaking Friends

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