Why some people get upset when they hear someone speaking spanish?

Question

I sometimes speak spanish with my latino friends, I don't speak very well but I'm trying to learn another language, but I notice that some people automatically believe that I either not from here, or I don't speak english

Is kind of weird, but it seems like they only what people to speak english, why? A bilingual person counts for 2, don't u think?

And by the way I love when other people can't understand what I'm saying :)

Answer 1

Because most Americans aren't bilingual and only speak English, it annoys them that they should have to learn another language in their own land.

Learning a language is a difficult task that requires a lot of effort, especially the older you are. So by combining conservative value with the unwillingness to undertake the long task of learning a new language, Americans prefer to be pissed about other languages being spoken in their land.

Spanish, in particular, because of the mass migration from Latin America has created a rather large Spanish speaking population.

Answer 2

There ARE a few reasons that some people get upset. BUT I believe the biggest reason is WE ARE in the USA. The language here is ENGLISH. There are just so many aliens/immigrants that DO NOT speak a word of English but actually live better than a lot of Americans do. THIS alone gets a lot of Americans a little perturbed to say the least. So as soon as they hear someone speaking a forgeign language they get upset. I mean if the people want to come here for a visit fine, but they want to live here and won't learn the language but yet have it better. So people get pis*ed. One more though on this. Go for a job today and if you can speak another language you have a better chance of getting the job over someone who can only speak english. People who are born here, raised here, and educated here and won't get the job because they can not speak spanish, or another language. BUT someone come here from another country and they can speak a little english but are very fluent in like spanish and they get the job. So again people do get upsewt. Enough said.

Answer 3

The best way I can explain it is by asking you a question. Did your mama teach you that it was rude to whisper in someone's ear when others are present? It makes the others think you're talking about them, and it's rude. Well, that's the same way it is with speaking a foreign language in front of others. Especially if you all CAN speak english. It's always best to speak the language of the country you're in, unless you're a tourist. Even then, learning a few words won't hurt when trying to communicate. But, carrying on a full converstation in front of others is rude. That's why many people will get angry. They think you're talking about them, or making fun of them, even though you're not. I went to a grade school in Chicago that had many Latinos, and they constantly spoke their language when together. The teacher was constantly telling them to speak english, so that they would learn the language better and be able to converse in english easier. She even said it was rude of them to do this. By the last line of your post, you prove what I've just said. You like it that others can't understand what you're saying. It's almost like you're putting yourself above others (also rude), making it a pride thing. And that attitude might be causing some people to be upset. If you just want to learn the language, that's a fine thing to do. And learning it from those who speak it is also a good thing. But, you need to find a balance, not purposely annoying those around you. Find a different place to speak with your friends in Spanish. Then, you won't have to be concerned with who's hearing you, and you can more freely practice your speaking skills. I wish you much success in your learning. <*)))><

Answer 4

You could also talk in burps, but it may not be considered polite.

Every country is provincial in this regard. They want to understand and be understood. If you are not speaking the common language in a country then natives will think that you are:

1 - either talking in another language to be secretive, which implies that you do not trust the people within earshot,
2 - or talkin in another language because you didn't care enough to learn the local language.

Native listeners may consider either of those situations to indicate that you hold them in contempt.

The current issues with illegal immigration by spanish speakers only adds to the anger of the locals. Is it ignorant for locals to assume that you don't know english and are therefore probably an illegal alien? Yes. However, simple math will show that as more illegals cross into the US, the ratio of legals to illegals increases, making such stereotypes more accurate with every passing day.

Answer 5

Two main reasons: It is considered impolite to speak a language other than the national language of the country you're in. I am proficent in French, and whenever I go to France, I speak the language. That's typically common custom, if you're in America speak English, etc. Secondly, most people presume (correctly sometimes, I'm sure) that if someone feels the need to speak in another language, they must be saying something they wouldn't feel comfortable having other people understand. Example: I work for RadioShack and we often get customers of Spanish decent who come into our store and after we take care of their needs, they begin to converse with their partner in Spanish. I am somewhat profiecent in Spanish as well, and have understood on several occasions rather rude or inappropriate things being said in the conversation that would otherwise get them kicked out of the store if understood in English. Obcenities toward the way another customer or the manager looks, etc. (Sometimes it's fun after ringing up a customer like that, to speak to them in Spanish to finish the transaction so they get embarassed about their words and will perhaps think better of it next time.)
I think it's great to know more than one language. It typically shows an open mind and a well-rounded individual. (Personally, I know 4 languages, and it does often become useful!) However, it's also important to show respect and courtesy for the people around you and for the country that you're in by speaking the native language of that country.

Answer 6

Megan C--

Take it from me. The Spanish language coming off the lips of a lady is a thing of beauty. For a listener, Spanish pleases the ear like few other languages.

Disregard the close-minded people, and keep at it. If you ever get the chance to travel to some of the amazing Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas or in Europe, you will be very proud of your heritage.

Answer 7

Hmm, I have yet to have someone get mad at me for speaking Spanish in public. But I am careful to keep conversations limited to short interchanges where it might be considered rude to speak only Spanish. Knowing two languages makes your world at least twice as large, but when in the United States, you need to know English to survive economically and grow socially. I used to teach English to non-English speakers, and it was hard when some of them would not even take my advice to surround themselves with more English so they could learn it faster - say using children's TV programs on TV, or else they would quit coming to class. On the flip side, I think it's sad when the younger generation only have a passable level of Spanish and aren't encouraged to keep two languages for the sake of helping more people. So be sensitive to those around you, and hope you keep practicing Spanish!

Answer 8

The main reason is the fact that it's fine to be bilingual and I applaud that, but you need to speak the language of the country you live in. And this is one of the biggest problems for Latino - United States relations.

You live in France, you will speak French. Live in Germany, speak German. Live in the United States, speak English. This is something that has been said over and over. To many, it feels like the Latino culture is dominating, rather then mixing, into the American culture.

It is to be seen if this is true or not, but there does seem to be truth to this. United States culture was created by a little bit of everyone who immigrated there. If you were from Italy, you brought in a piece of your culture and learned and accepted everyone else. But the influx in Spanish speaking immigrants, legal or not, are not absorbing the culture of others but seem to be stubbornly sticking to their own ways (Language, culture, etc.). In many big cities, people are now having to be bi-lingual because many Spanish speaking residents do not learn English.

Now I know that English is not the OFFICIAL language of the United States by law, but it is the accepted form of communication. Many people feel put out by people who speak in Spanish especially, because they feel like Spanish speaking cultures are thrusting their ways of life on others rather then blending into the proverbial melting pot.

It is fine to speak other langauges, but the whole point of communication is to have others understand you. By hiding what you are saying, people willl be offended bbecause they do not knoow if you are saying something bad about them, or making fun of them.

The saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans" fits best here. And until Spainish speaking immigrants, citizens, and illeagal alians accept change in their culture, Spainish will always be frowned on in public by somebody.

Answer 9

Americans in general know fewer languages than others. It's good to learn another language.

But people also feel that immigrants into America should learn the local language - English. It seems arrogant and rude for people to come here and expect others to change for them.

I think that's the problem.

Answer 10

the fact that they dont understand is why people dont like it. I find it rude when people speak in front of me in another language... You are in america right? Which is an english seaking country right.....if ya wanna speak spanish go to mexico or spain!