For instance; A Spanish speaking "Gringo", or even an American Hispanic speaking proficiently to a native of another Spanish speaking country, and the native will only answer in English.Some people do it when they know your from "el Norte", even if you are hispanic yourself. It has happened to me a few times, and it made me a little angry.Sometimes I just did not hear what they said, and needed them to repeat it, and then, BOOM!,English from that point on.This has happened to me here in the US, and in Latin America.Am I wrong to feel slightly insulted?Thank you for you input!Gracias pa' el consejo!Ciao!
2006-12-02 06:09:24 · 13 answers · asked by aaronmestizo 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
In some cases, (1) they are trying to be accomodating, or (2) want to practice their English.
If I were you, I'd politely ask them in Spanish to keep talking in Spanish.
2006-12-02 06:12:48 · answer #1 · answered by kent_shakespear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm I usually answer in English, just because I've become more comfortable with it. I see no problem speaking Spanglish. I hope they don't feel like I'm being rude, it's my comfort level. Although when I go to this taco place I end up talking to her in Spanish all the time, because it seem like she's more comfortable with Spanish, and I'm afraid she'll get my order wrong if I ask in English. She doesn't seem to have a problem with it.
And for those ignorant people who are so "educated" but don't don't understand what it's like to be bi-lingual, they need to be ignored. If you don't speak a second or third language I suppose you are not apt to answer this question, and Gringo, is not a racial slur. When I lived in a a Latin country they called me gringa, and it meant that I spoke English, it wasn't a bad thing.
2006-12-02 14:42:25 · answer #2 · answered by Brandnewshoes 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't think you should take it personally. I'm pretty sure that it was not meant to insult you in any way.
This type of communication is called code-switching. It occurs when a person switches from one language to another while in a conversation. For many, they feel that it is easier for them to explain themselves in one language or the other or even both at the same time.
I do it ALL the time. I speak fluent Khmer as well as English, but when I speak to my mother I mix the two languages. She, however, is fluent in Khmer and her English is "broken" but she does the SAME thing.
So I think that you should let whoever wants to express themselves in that manner, do so without feeling offended by it.
2006-12-02 14:46:38 · answer #3 · answered by S K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know the feeling. Some people have told me that they speak English so they can practice the language in front of said Gringo, and to impress el Gringo. No insult intended from them.
2006-12-02 14:13:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I belelieve if you speak to them in spanish they may feel this is an insult to them,,, They have worked hard to learn the english language, And therefore would be proud to answer you in English...
I feel great respect for them and admiration for them to learn English,, coming here knowing only their native language has got to be difficult for them,,,, So Americans need to quit having an attitude problem and give them a break,,,
2006-12-02 15:25:00 · answer #5 · answered by Gringa_uno 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The easy answer is to say not to be so sensitive to others feelings and opinions, but I know of what you speak. There always seem to be this division between people of the same ancestry if one is born in one country and one another. Your not really this because your born in America, or someplace else.
I've learned to ignore it and speak to people who are a little less narrow minded.
2006-12-02 14:17:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if you are in the United States, we speak English!
You should not be insulted or upset.
I have nothing against other languages but I do not feel that we should accomodate the minority.
If I went to another country it would be my responsibility to learn their language, not expect them to make the whole country accomodate my lack of understanding.
(Like we have done in the US)
2006-12-02 14:18:25 · answer #7 · answered by konstipashen 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i don't think it is an insult because you're trying to help him out. maybe he's not good in English so you're trying to show him/her that you can communicate with him/her in their own language. but if you talk to them in Spanish and they answer in English and you still insist to talk in Spanish then i think it will be humiliation for you because the other side is clear when he/she talked to u in English.
2006-12-02 14:15:03 · answer #8 · answered by lost soul 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it's an insult. But maybe next time, you should respond and talk in English.
2006-12-02 14:13:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Watch the terms you use there Jose. "Gringo" is a racial slur. How would you like it if I started a question with: A "bean farming wetbak"....
2006-12-02 14:41:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋