Okay people what do you think? When there are others around you speaking their native tongue.?

Question

How do you feel? Does it bother you? I'm Greek (Canadian born).
I've had people look at me strangely. I was speaking my language to my sons and a man told me he didn't like to hear others speak their native tongue near him around him so I told him to plug his ears. After all there is no true Canadian or American. We are all descendents of Immigrants from other countries.

Answer 1

That depends upon the situation. Certainly, if you are not in a place in which you are expected to interact with someone other than the person(s) with whom you are speaking, then speaking in your native tongue is appropriate. If you are interacting with others, the speaking the lingua franca (common tongue of that area) is appropriate.

As an example, if you're a barista, even if many of your customers share your language, you should use the lingua franca. But if you are seated at a table in a coffee shop, for example, there's no reason for you to not use your native tongue to speak with others at your table.

The (gentle)man was out of bounds for his reaction to you. And yes, as far as I'm concerned, he needed to be gently reminded of that. Not that it would make any difference to most people in that situation, but once in a while, someone might get the idea.

Answer 2

I agree that there is no true Canadian or American. Although we all are not immigrants, people are either 2nd, 3rd or some generation. One should be able to converse in their native tongue freely. However if you are socializing with people, it is regarded rude to start conversing in a different tongue from the norm. Respect works both ways; cultural differences need to be respected!

Answer 3

I've always wondered that too. Being Chinese, I often speak Chinese with others in front of people who can't speak it, at school and in other social situations, but I always explain the essential of what we're saying to the others. I think it's rude to leave anyone out of a conversation, and speaking a different language definitely leaves the non-speakers out. When I'm with people who speak a language I don't know in front of me I do feel snubbed unless they try to include me in some way.

Answer 4

Why aren't we all speaking in a Native American tongue if it's about respecting the country we aren't native to?
I don't mind hearing other languages spoken.

Answer 5

Not knowing a language is like a disability.

Imagine that you are lactose intolerant, but your friends serve a huge feast of cheese. Should you just not eat?

If you pass a table of cheese, you don't have to eat anything.

In the same way, if I pass a group of people talking in another language, it is not my buissness to understand anything.

But if I am in the group, it would be nice if the other group members make an effort to help me understand.

Answer 6

That man is close minded. I'm a wife and mother of three that has opened my home to numerous exchange students. They speak Russian to my children and have taught all of us some phrases. I find it intriguing, and enjoy the sounds even if I don't know what is being said.

Answer 7

I'm actually fine with people speaking their native tongue around me, but at times i can't help to feel a bit unsecured. you know because they might be talking about you in a bad way and you don't even know it.

Answer 8

I am who. I don't know.I speak American.It dose make me mad
when I here others speak other languages I never had a chance
to learn any other.It bothers me most when it is guys.I don't know
if they are talking about me or what they may do.

Answer 9

I think that it is annoying when your at the mall and you hear someone gibbering in another language. It's like you're in America speak English!

Answer 10

I must be honest . It usually annoys me . If you are able to speak the language that everyone else in the group is speaking , then speaking in a foreign language is rude .