My first language is Japanese.
Native British persons, please teach me
Which expression is more natural?
I don' speak Chinese language.
I can't speak Chinese language.
I guess Americans preffer the first one.
thanx in advance.
2006-07-21 01:29:06 · 15 answers · asked by joejapan8 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
wow, surprising!
The American preffers 「don't」
Why???
2006-07-21 01:36:19 · update #1
I'm a professional English teacher, I'll help you!
Don't think in terms of which one is more natural or correct. They are both grammatically correct in both British and American English; however, where they do differ is in their meanings.
The first is related to 'choice'.
If you say:
'I don't speak Chinese'. This means - perhaps you can speak Chinese; however, you 'choose' not to.
The second is related to 'ability'.
If you say:
'I can't speak Chinese'. This means - even if you wanted to speak Chinese, you couldn't because you don't have the ability
2006-07-21 08:36:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
British english, or a rather english english is the true language and is what you should learn. You can pick up americanisms from watching hollywood movies etc. 'I can't speak chinese' is more accurate and means you are incapable of speaking the language. An english person would probably say this. People will also say i don't speak chinese as well however.
2016-03-27 01:55:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you use the first one, you mean you lack the langauge ability. When you use the second one, you possibly mean you're not allowed to do it. I don't really think it matters whether it's British English or American English, the first one definitely sounds more natural. When you use "can't", it makes me think of a situation in which you CAN'T speak or talk at a meeting, a speech, or a lecture. The tone of voice in the second one is the same like that in the example just given.
2006-07-21 01:35:35 · answer #3 · answered by CRT 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
But in true English it should be 'I can not speak the Chinese language.' Can't is what is used in day to day English and classed as a quick slang term.
2006-07-21 01:38:25 · answer #4 · answered by angrybuthappy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't speak Chinese language
But I'd put 'the' into it:
'I can't speak the Chinese Language' or just 'I can't speak Chinese'
2006-07-21 01:34:06 · answer #5 · answered by hollykingham79 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can say the first one but you have to say "I don't speak the Chinese language."
2006-07-21 11:35:50 · answer #6 · answered by ¤DS¤ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i cant speak chinese ...
The above is correct or the below
I can't speak the Chinese language.
2006-07-21 01:33:19 · answer #7 · answered by Banderes 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i cant speak chinese, no need for the language, but if you want to add the language maybe i don't speak the chinese language.
2006-07-21 01:36:40 · answer #8 · answered by linsy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say "I can't speak Chinese" or "I can't speak the Chinese language".
Saying "I don't speak Chinese" impies that you can speak the language but choose not to.
2006-07-21 01:34:46 · answer #9 · answered by Tuppence 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just say "I can't speak Chinese" Don't add "language", that doesn't sound natural.
2006-07-21 01:34:26 · answer #10 · answered by survivor 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋