I have to interview a scientist for a project in highschool, and the person I am trying to reach is in Germany, wheras I live in America. My teacher prefers I talk to them over the phone as opposed to Email, but either are acceptable. The problem is that it would be very embarassing to not be able to understand somone during a phonecall . Would it be rude to ask somone how their dialect is before you talk?
2006-12-13 18:32:04 · 10 answers · asked by carr0t 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Understanding is a two-way street. If you can't understand his accent, you can ask him to repeat what he said, say it in different words, or say it slower. These things can all help you to understand.
Also, if you listen to English spoken by other people who share his native language, that will help you to learn how to understand his accent better. I'm an ESL teacher, so I'm exposed to non-native accents all the time, and that helps me to understand when I meet people with foreign accents for the first time. It even helps me to understand native speakers who have speech problems. So, like they say, practice makes perfect!
But I actually think that you don't have much to worry about, because this scientist probably speaks English very well (many Germans do) and he is most likely used to interacting with people from other language backgrounds.
2006-12-13 18:44:31 · answer #1 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't ask how their command of english is - they may just think "Who are YOU to not learn MY language before you talk to me?!
If you have trouble understanding a person because of their accent, a good trick is to talk just a bit slower. This will get the other person to slow down a bit, too, which can generally clear up a muddle. Another trick is to ask them to speak up just a bit - when a person has to focus on speaking just a bit louder, they also tend to slow things down a bit and ennunciate a bit clearer. Hope that helps, good luck!
2006-12-13 19:17:12 · answer #2 · answered by Dan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Expect any highly educated person in Germany to speak the Queen's English better than we do American English here in the USA. Call the scientist up, enjoy your conversation.
2006-12-13 19:45:34 · answer #3 · answered by soxrcat 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you mean if someone from like Australia hears an American speaking? Well that would depend on what part of the US you're from. Like New Jerseyians [lol] would not have the same accent as someone from California or someone from Tennessee. But collectively I heard we speak too loudly and very nasal sounding.
2016-05-24 00:30:33 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your initial contact is email, then I think it is acceptable to ask questions about spoken language.
It is all in how you phrase it on whether it is polite or not. Take responsibility for your own concern...explain that you are sorry but as a typical American you only speak English and ask if that would be a barrier to a phone conversation.
2006-12-13 18:50:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think if you explain the situation, that you have trouble with some dialects, he would surely understand. If you inform him before the conversation, that also allows him to speak more carefully so you will be sure to understand it.
2006-12-13 18:35:43 · answer #6 · answered by geektacular 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should use email. Constantly asking the scientist to repeat himself or to talk slower may be considered rude.
2006-12-13 18:38:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. It will be the best thing to do.
I am a Latino woman and I will be very happy that
someone want to understand me.
It is perfectly alright cause it shows that you care.
Go for it!
2006-12-13 18:49:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
Especially a highly educated scientist. I don''t think that question would be well received.
2006-12-13 18:35:43 · answer #9 · answered by maamu 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
not really is you really seriously are asking for the benefit of both of you
2006-12-13 18:35:02 · answer #10 · answered by J-Man 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋