Do you automatically talk slower and clearer when talking to someone of foreign appearance?

Question

I've caught my hubby doing this which is funny since he too is foreign.

Answer 1

Well, I wait a few moments to listen and figure how great their grasp on my language really is. Appearances may deceive.
Yes, I'll speak slower (since I go fast easily) and more deliberate, and definitely use proper English (no slang, sometimes no contractions, and generic terms).
I might ask them to teach me something from their language (thank you, or hello, or some blessing).
Sounds like your husband provides a little entertainment!

Answer 2

I don't do this automatically with someone of foreign appearance, that would be discriminatory.

However, I do this when the person is obviously having trouble with English.

The people I get a real kick out of are the ones who just speak louder - what, will this drive the English into their heads better? :o)

Good question!

Answer 3

If your husband is foreign then he knows how difficult the English language can be! He is using his experience to be gracious and thoughtful. We both understand and speak French but not fluently. When we travel to Europe, we appreciate everyone who slows down and enunciates clearly so our minds can grasp and translate. When meet anyone we don't know - foreign-looking or not - we should speak clearly! Once they respond, if a strong accent is obvious, it is only courteous to speak clearly and a bit slower. Your husband seems to have more social skills than you do!

Answer 4

I do it, but not based upons appearance. If the person has a strong foreign accent then I will slow down, try to talk clearer, use simple language, etc.

Answer 5

As an American, living in a foreign country, one has to speak distinctly and clearly, because you want to be understood, and understand what is being said to you, so you don't want to intentionally insult the person to whom you are speaking with. Hand motions and speaking slower is an usual occurrence, especially when English isn't taught in their schools, so people learn for the Expiate community living among them.

Answer 6

Yes I do (and in case you're wondering, I'm ethnically Chinese but my primary language is English). For one thing, if I talk fast, I might not be clear to them if they're not used to a different accent or just not used to English. I don't dumb down my speech dramatically, just enough to be clear without insulting the other person. I also avoid bigger words until I have a good gauge of their language ability - it's embarassing to a stranger if you have to explain words to them.

As long as you're not being patronising, no harm in being clearer until you're sure the other person can understand you easily. It's all about adapting and accommodating.

Answer 7

Not automatically. Mostly to asian people who are older and look less confident and confused because it can be very difficult to have a conversation otherwise. I speak clearly and slowly because it is alot worse to repeat something over and over and over until they understand. If i start off speaking slowly and clearly then it wastes alot less time. I dont do it automatically though.

Answer 8

No, because it would be offensive to them and embarrasing for me if they weren't foreign. I talk fast anyway so it's hard to slow down. I think your hubby is just trying to be nice and helpful, he means well.

Answer 9

Not unless they seem to have trouble understanding me. I also do it for people who are hard of hearing. It's good that your husband doesn't get LOUDER when he does it. That's annoying as heck.

Answer 10

No. Never happened to me but I used to talk really fast when I was little.