Basically, since I look like any minority group you care to think of, at least once or twice a week somebody will come up to me and start speaking Spanish or Hindi or Haitian Creole, and they assume I'll understand it.
2006-07-20 04:43:25 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
This is offensive, but everyone does it, particularly English speakers visiting foreign countries.
I would suggest that you try to pick up a simple phrase: "Speak English to me, and I can help you" in the most common languages you are being confronted with.
2006-07-20 04:47:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Smile and shake your head and tell them in English, "Sorry. I don't understand." Many of them will either speak English fluently or have enough of an understanding to know what you said. If they don't speak any English, they probably will understand the universal smile and shrug with a head shake.
2006-07-20 04:47:08 · answer #2 · answered by cucumberlarry1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also get this a lot. If I am at work, I say "I only speak English, I will try to find someone to help you." Otherwise, I just say "I only speak English." If they continue trying to talk to me, I just try to politely walk away.
2006-07-20 04:56:37 · answer #3 · answered by ladytc 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you can already identify which languages they speak to you. If you know (or at least think) it is Spanish, just say "Perdón. No hablo español". With only that.
2006-07-20 06:19:39 · answer #4 · answered by kamelåså 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When they do this, make up a language and start speaking back to them. It will confuse them and they will go away.
2006-07-20 04:45:27 · answer #5 · answered by Mel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just smile and say "English"? They'll get it soon enough when you don't answer. Annoying I'm sure, but be gracious and polite about the whole thing.
2006-07-20 04:55:02 · answer #6 · answered by ladyangelovely 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try some written comunication, whether it be your language or the speaker's language. Drawing pictures may also be helpful.
2006-07-20 17:23:47 · answer #7 · answered by White Samurai 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well since you cant speak their language, just look at them and say "sorry, i speak english". they will realize that since you didnt answer in their language, you dont it! simple as that.
2006-07-20 04:46:07 · answer #8 · answered by Lola P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just tell the person sorry i dont understand can u speak english..... or just walk away from them its not like u know them.....
2006-07-20 05:17:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shrug your shoulders and send them all a loud raspberry.
2006-07-20 04:48:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋