who decides which words are english and which words are foreign?

Question

let me explain... my english professor has an issue with the fact that i sometimes use the word "en" which is the spanish word for "in". i don't do it on purpose, but i am fluent in english/spanish/french/and creole(a mix of french and spanish) and i get mixed up sometimes, my bad. anyway, my question is how do we decide what is foreign and what is not. the only reason he was pissed was because HE didn't understand that word, that's not my problem. if the word was mosquito or fiancee, he would not have asked me to translate that, so just because he has a limited vocab, i get marked wrong?

Answer 1

There are several good English dictionaries. I have referenced a few below. If you can't find it in the dictionary, you cannot claim it is English.

Language is used solely to communicate with others. If you cannot make yourself understood, whether it is your boss or your child (or even your dog) it IS your bad, always.

Keep your wits about you at all times and be aware of whom you address with your words. This will mark you as a mature person of character.