I want to know what is the most polite way to ask someone what there nationality/heritage/culture/background is without sounding ignorant. Say, if you just met someone and know they are not Caucasian or African American, how is the best way to ask what they are without offending anyone? Please don't say "why does it matter", I think it matters because it is part of getting to know someone better and I think it is very interesting to meet and learn about people who are different than me.
2007-01-24 22:17:52 · 13 answers · asked by nc_hpoa 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
I ment THEIR in the second line
2007-01-24 22:18:50 · update #1
I always ask "Where are you from", and show a sincere interest. That always seems to work. Just be yourself.
2007-01-24 22:24:53 · answer #1 · answered by TE 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I come from a country with many different nationalities, and your right it is very interesting to learn other peoples ways...people here by us love talking about what they do and how they do it...so if you want to have a experiance of a your live, come to south africa..i know you think STOP what about the crime ect..and it is true we do have crime, but you must understand, most people here do crime because of the state they are living in...and mostly they need to feed there children....but thats not the point..I promis you its not as bad as people make it to be, and you'll be suprised at how friendly people are here.Im white and have a bloodline that goes back, but still i have black coloured and chiniese friends...and we all feel strongly about who we are, thats why we wear our traditional clothes, to express who we are and where we come from..and i dont think it should offend anyone if you ask that, they should feel proud, which ever way you ask them
2007-01-24 22:44:34 · answer #2 · answered by JUDS 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way would probably to ask them lots of little questions that will get them to talk about themselves. For example: Where are you from originally? (if you hear an accent) or Where is your family from? (if you don't hear an accent) Are you close with your family? Do you still practice your family's traditions? What foods do you usually eat/cook?...etc. Basically just try to get them talking about themselves, and since most people love to talk about their origins once they get a little heated up you'll probably be getting a lot more than one word answers.
Don't ask questions like: Are you an immigrant? A resident? A citizen? People tend to worry about those things on regular basis and they don't need to be reminded about their problems.
2007-01-24 22:37:07 · answer #3 · answered by Yeva 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand you wanting to get to know a person more, but that question can become a little annoying. People who are obviously non caucasian or non african american or non america period probably get asked that question quite frequently and therefore probably get tired of being asked. You probably aren't the first person to ask them about this.
From my experience, when a person is obviously of another culture or something, they are usually inclined to bring it up themselves when the time is right, or when they are more comfortable around you.
I suggest you have lunch with them or something and get to know more about other things about them and they will more than likely bring it up, especially when the topic of family comes up, specifically topics about parents and stuff. If they dont initiate it you could try talking about YOUR cultural background, and they will probably follow suit.
2007-01-25 09:33:01 · answer #4 · answered by John S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, if it was me I'd probably try something like this
"(Hello, how are you?) I'm (insert your nationality and start conversation about it, or at least try). I was just wondering, where exactly are you from?"
Most importantly though, you should add conversations in between bits and pieces, and after saying your nationality, a conversation will almost definitely come up and eventually the person you are talking to will probably tell you voluntarily. But if not, just casually ask, "I was just wondering, where exactly are you from?" And there is your answer!
2007-01-24 22:31:42 · answer #5 · answered by mcguire_kai 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't ask in certain situations but after a couple of times of being around the person I would be comfortable with asking. I would start out by saying how interesting their features are and I was wondering what their nationality is.
2007-01-25 00:18:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask them straight out. I haven't yet offended anybody by doing that - and I have a tendency to offend very easily. People are generally pleased when you show an interest. As long as you're not judging them, there's no offence in asking.
2007-01-24 23:20:43 · answer #7 · answered by Angelpaws 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think "where do you originate from?" should do the trick as long as you make it sound polite/nice. If you sound interested in their origins and culture rather than just be searching for the right label to put on them then I don't see why anyone would take offense.
2007-01-24 22:23:54 · answer #8 · answered by undir 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is humorous you reported French because i became wondering the same nationality. My precise 3 alternatives must be Brazilian, French or Greek. i'm white American. it is fantastic with me, yet i'd not ideas being one in all those unique kind ladies.
2016-10-16 02:08:34 · answer #9 · answered by debbie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"where are you from" is a good way to ask. or if they have an unusual name ask what does it mean , or sth. and show interest in them , no matter if they dont have a good reputation following their country
2007-01-24 22:36:47 · answer #10 · answered by Isolde 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋