Why are people rude to folks here who don't speak English well?

Question

From time to time there are questions here from people who obviously do not know English as well as most of us do. Many people are very rude in their answers. Why?

We are lucky to be able to communicate with people from all over the world here! Those who don't speak English as their first language are at least making an effort! I am flattered that they want to learn our language and want to communicate with us. They are as smart as we are, just trying something new to them. Give them
credit for practicing new skills!

If you have ever been in a foreign country and struggled to make your way in a foreign language, you would not be so quick to insult. Unfortunately, there are enough Americans here who don't bother to learn proper English, so why criticize someone working on a second or third language, rather than not mastering the first?

End of sermon. I enjoy this time of day because there seem to be a lot of people from Europe, Australia and elsewhere on here.

People DO have a point about the Yahoo rules. Thanks for input. Then again, I still wish people could be a little more patient. I have more of an issue with people who are obviously from an English speaking country (you can often tell by the subject matter of the question) but who don't bother to learn at all.

Oh well. Just a pet peeve of mine. Hello, world! :)

Answer 1

It's called psychological and attitude problem..i'm lucky and thankful for i'm using English as my second language and i'm proud that i'm able to speak and write well considering the fact that i have to speak in other 4 languages in my country! and yes, people are rude to those who choose to learn English as a 2nd or 3rd language and are trying to master it because they get the chance to pick on someone weaker than them. It's called BULLY! or from my point of view, they are JEALOUS because some other people are making an effort to learn and master more than 1 language while they are just comfy with what they have, taking it for granted and adopting the couldn't care-less attitude! I personally would like to voice out that language is not the barrier but a person's mentality, attitude and mind-set would be! some people out there feel that they have the rights to be rude to people who can't master the language because it's their first language or mother tongue! and think that they are from the third world country and deserve to be treated that way.. [Neanderthals thinking].. don't ever judge a book by it's cover and think before you say anything.. use your grey metal! it's there for a reason; God made everyone equal and we do not have the rights to judge, comment or insult anyone on this Earth! the world does not revolves around you but everyone; what goes around come around and i think anyone you like to be insulted, commented or judged! To be respected, respect others first!

Answer 2

I agree with you and to built on that I want to say 2 things :
1) There is nothing "English", "American", "European" or any other sort of border when we re in the Internet
2) Any language is just a tool to help people communicate and bring them closer. It s nice to talk or write using the best words and grammar but it s not the point. Usually people who get rude do not have real and strong arguments.

Greetings from Greece!

Answer 3

I have been in several foreign countries and b/c I am american and only spoke english I was treated very rudely. Everyone in every country expects visitors to know more than a smidgen of the language of the country they are visiting in. I wish that a second language was required in America in grade school and up as in other countries, I think it would help all around.

Answer 4

Well, I am a Canadian studying in the UK. I have a hard enough time deciphering the accents, and it's my language!

I don't know why people are rude. I think interacting on sites like this is a good way for people to polish their English skills. It's a complicated language!

I guess there's ignorant people everywhere you go.

Answer 5

Oh, I haven't noticed this problem, actually.

It's interesting that you've brought it up, because now that I think about it, it does seem to occur.

Well, there are many different reasons, the first of which, and the LAMEST & most superficial reason of all, is because some people are just lame like that. Yes, I used the word lame twice in one sentence. but it's past midnight, and I'm too tired to think. Why are they lame? Because people find it is easier to be mean than to put in the extra effort to be nice to people. When people see those questions, perhaps it's easier to scoff than to be patiently polite about it.

Now the REAL reason that I believe that this occurs, particularly on this forum: people are afraid. People who usually hate, are frightened-- too scared to be tolerant. I don't want to generalize, but I think most people, including myself, are afraid of being replaced or being dominated. In the US, people are so confident of our nation's power that they believe ignorance and intolerance can be acceptable. but it isn't. Ignorance and intolerance are the two most potent faults of most Americans. I don't know HOW many statistics or random facts start with "Do you know that 67% of American's don't know where Afghanistan is?" or something to that effect. It irritates me that many people are "proud" to be in such an affluent nation, to the point where people believe it is unneccessary to be knowledgeable about the world around them.

Yeah, rambling, I don't even know what I'm typing right now. (I'll edit it tomorrow if I remember).

**will edit laterr** so please excuse the inane talking-in-circles

Answer 6

I know, it's so rude!

You should NOT insult people for speaking English badly. Either politely ask them to clarify what they're saying, or don't say anything.

Be thankful that they're at least trying to speak English rather than their own language.

Answer 7

This Yahoo forum is supposed to be soley used for the U.S. It's stated in theyre rules that if you read a question thats not in english you can report them. Yahoo Answers has other Countries listed you can go too but be prepared if you dont speak their language to get reported. Thats the Yahoo rules so get mad at Yahoo not the users. Yahoo can't keep foreigners off of the U.S. forum but we can report them if we don't understand the question or it's not typed in english.

Answer 8

They'r trying to show off their impatience & power. Basically they are stereo type. They believe people who do not speak English well are those who are uneducated. Therefore they wouldnt want to waste time on these people.

Answer 9

i understand your feelings....but i guess it is because this is more english speaking people on here...i do not know any language besides english so you are up on me for sure..i tried to learn french in school but i have not traveled anywhere so i have not really needed any other language..just hope you have better luck in the future..

Answer 10

Sorry, but I think thats not true. people get ruddy answers when they ask ruddy questions. But speakig of English or writing it right or wrong are a diffirent thing entirely. I tried to pick meanings from they writings & not trying to abuse anybody.