In our office, we have a group of Latino/a housekeepers who come by in the evening. Since I'm usually in the office when they arrive, I know them by face, and I speak to them pretty often. I often attempt to speak to them in my limited Spanish, since I know that Spanish is likely their first language, but I'm wondering, would this actually be considered rude? I don't want them to think that I'm assuming they can't speak English. Should I continue speaking to them in Spanish, or should I switch to English?
2006-11-20 14:19:05 · 18 answers · asked by kiki 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I don't think they'd be offended. I've tried to speak Spanish with friends and they'd just be amused by my attempts to speak Spanish and sometimes they'd help me with my accent. Just as long as you don't say something condescending like "Hey, you, you comprende??" you should be fine trying out a bit of Spanish.
2006-11-20 14:24:11 · answer #1 · answered by i luv teh fishes 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try speaking to them in English and if they do not follow then just speak in Spanish to them. Even if it is not 100% fluent Spanish it means that you are making an effort to talk to them. I know because I am Hispanic and speak both languages of English and Spanish fluently.
2006-11-20 23:45:45 · answer #2 · answered by Hello K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try asking them if they speak English and if they do, speak to them in English. I am sure they don't think about hurting your feelings by speaking their language in front of you. If they can't speak English well, tell them you would like for them to help you with your Spanish and ask if they would like for you to help them with their English so that you all can communicate better. Best wishes.
2006-11-20 22:24:45 · answer #3 · answered by mom of 2 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can never assume a person is a native speaker of Spanish by his/her looks. There are many people who look like they would be, and aren't, and there are many people who look like they wouldn't be, and are. I'd say depending on how limited their English is, and how limited your Spanish is, they would probably appreciate talking to you in Spanish if they are a native speaker. But if you two share a native language you should stick with English. You can find out simply by asking, "¿Usted habla español?"
2006-11-21 00:32:17 · answer #4 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hell, no it's not offensive. Most English speakers are slack about learning foreign languages. I've found that attempting to speak someone else's language is a quick way to make friends, even if you're not very good at it.
2006-11-20 23:40:43 · answer #5 · answered by zee_prime 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only time it would be offensive is if you were with another person/friend who didn't speak or understand spanish. That person would feel like they are not welcomed to participate in the conversation. But if you are just saying hello to a stranger, hello is a kind jester in any language...
2006-11-20 23:37:40 · answer #6 · answered by Norm 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all its Hola not OLA! I am Spanish and I speak fluent English....i would ask them first if they speak English, if not then talk with them in the Spanish that you know and if you really want to learn, get a Spanish/English book and practice what you want to converse with them about....I am sure they would appreciate it...I wouldn't take it as being rude....i think its great that you attempt to speak with them.
Buenas suerte... (good luck)
2006-11-20 22:33:44 · answer #7 · answered by Lainey 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes especially if you telling them that they miss a spot or to pick up the paper. But if you are trying to make really conversation in other words really trying to get to know them better is cool. If you are really trying to learn the language and trying to practice that's good too but if you always saying the same stupid thing and wrong at that please stop. I personally don't like people to speak Spanish if all they could say is very limited words and are always saying the same thing like "senorita". Now if you are trying to get me to really teach you something than just asked me and I'll try to teach you . But everyone is different this ladies might actually enjoy the fact that you are trying to talk to them and are interested in them. good luck
2006-11-20 22:27:05 · answer #8 · answered by onelia 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just ask them if they speak English!!! and if NO, speak to them in Spanish!!! like OLA! and so on. LOTS of the Latino' s here in Alabama are not Spanish speakers..... THEY speak dialects and other south American languages..... YOU WOULD NOT BE LIVE how many!!!!!!!!!!
2006-11-20 22:25:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work with hispanics as well and I know a little Spanish. They like the fact that I can communicate with them in their native language. One of my co-workers said that it makes her feel good to know that people of another country take the time to study and learn their language. she does not care whether my spanish is broken or not.
2006-11-20 22:27:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋