This is a question for people who speak english as a second language.

Whenever I see a Hispanic person, I like to say "hola" instead of "hello." I like to say "bonjour" to French people, "servus" or "gutten tag" to Germans, etc. for each language I know.

However, when I do so, I usually get weird looks from most of these people.
I realize they learned English to make life easier to communicate/etc. easier in this country, and I am trying to be considerate and speak in a language that would be easier for them.
It seems that everyone may think I'm being racist by doing this, instead of being considerate.


My question is, if you speak another language, and I greeted you in this language, would you be put off? Without knowing my intentions I am afraid that most people think the worst, and that is the OPPOSITE of what I want.

In my case it is completely the direct opposite.

If you greeted me in my own language ,
Which happens to be Maltese.

I automatically feel the similarity of the blood between us.
I go out of my way to be as pleasant as I can.

We have a wonderful word in Maltese which has two separate meanings when you leave
A person you have just met.
The word SAHHA.
This means GOODBYE and also FUTURE GOOD HEALTH.

Well, If I ever learn Maltese, I'll be sure to use that one, but the languages I can speak, the people seem to not like it much...

I thought about it more, and I think maybe it's because people think "Ooh, just because I look like _____, then I must speak _____?" or something...

I don't know, it's confusing.

Hi Helpinhere,

I hope you don't mind my answering this question as English is my first language and not a second but I do understand what you mean...

Everyday I deal with various people from different parts of the world, who obviously have very different cultures to my own,they are treated with the same curtesy and respect as I would wish to be treated with and indeed treat all my customers with, however sometimes this is not returned and in fact some are just down right rude and ignorant.

I know just a few words from various languages but can understand some when in conversation, so like yourself on occasion I have greeted them in their native language believing that they would feel more comfortable... not so

It would seem that to speak anothers language you have to fit into their... group... for want of a better word, you have to earn the right, in fact they find it very insulting... how dare I

However there are those who have taken great care in mastering the English language and everything else that goes along side it... manners, courtesy,consideration for others living here, knowing that this is not their native country but they are welcomed and treated equally.

Some foreigners prefer to remain in their own community, up to a point I can understand that,what I fined extremely ignorant is when a conversation is in full flow in a store full of English people... surely we could all overcome the language barrier with a little understanding from all the cultures living here... we are all human beings after all.

Keep smiling..

No, I don't mind at all 0rphan, and I get exactly what you said.
That is basically what I experience, just worded differently.

Thanks for Posting!

I've had people say "Aanii" - Which is Ojibwe for hello, and try to speak to me in that language.

I personally don't like it, only because, it makes me feel like I'm too stupid to speak English. However I'm only offended if I just met the person, not if it's a friend.

Sarah

I personally don't like it, only because, it makes me feel like I'm too stupid to speak English. However I'm only offended if I just met the person, not if it's a friend.

That is exactly what I'm talking about!
I only get those kind of looks from people I don't know, so it's not like my friends care much. (in fact, I usually don't speak english with my english-as-a-second-language friends)

Well, even though that isn't what I wanted to hear, it is an honest answer, and a possibility I hadn't considered.

Thanks for your input muddy!

It really depends too. If it's another Ojibwe speaking person, I will answer them in that language because they are most likely to be asking me a question.

However if it's someone that is trying to talk to me and is clearly practicing on me I'll get annoyed.

There's a difference between asking "Where is the nearest hotel?" and "Hey how are you?". I'll respond in English first, and if they don't understand than that's my cue that they only speak the language.

Sarah