How do you properly ask a person where they are from? I adore people from Ireland, { since I am 1/8th myself } and Scotland as well. I just don't want to be blunt.
Can I say," I love your accent." ???? And then take it from there. A little help here..
2007-03-11 18:26:25 · 8 answers · asked by Pixie 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I've noticed Americans ask 'where are you from' all the time among themselves too! I lived in the US for some time and I noticed everyone was always asking everyone 'where are you from' when they knew very well they were all from the US, they just wanted to know what state or town. Or at least that's how it was in Colorado, Wyoming and Texas which are the only three states I've lived in; not everything is of course exactly the same all over the country.
Here in Europe that isn't usual, only when somehow it comes up in the context of the conversation do people ask... like yesterday we visited a historical farm and they said they had a special event planned this summer, well then the farmer asked where we came from 'cause he was wondering if we lived sort of nearby or not. Normally you don't ask, I don't know where half my colleagues live even after many years of working with them. But I think most Europeans will just assume it's an American habit and not think you're singling them out.
2007-03-12 01:55:13 · answer #1 · answered by Sheriam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Say instead, "I've noticed your accent. May I ask you what country you are from?"
That's what I always ask and the "flood gates" of information will then open wide up. They are as proud of their countries of origin as you are about the US. Ask if they are having any problems being in the US. Ask if any of our customs seem odd and how they differ from those in their country.
If I were in Europe or else where, I would have to learn what the general populace thinks about the US. We have a LOT of enemies out there and people who are envious of our wealth. In those cases, it's not such a good idea to bring up the fact that you are from the US.
2007-03-12 01:42:35 · answer #2 · answered by ThisIsIt! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not trying to be overly PC but my experience and what I've been told is that they hate this. It makes many visitors feel weird, especially if they are American citizens and constantly remonded they don't fit in.
I hate when I travel and everyone pegs you for the American with your accent and they instantly want to know how you feel about the war. Really sucky.
2007-03-12 01:47:01 · answer #3 · answered by GranolaGurl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think being straight-forward and being blunt is the best way here.
take one guess "oh are you german?" and if you're wrong then STOP GUESSING, cause if you keep guessing and keep getting it wrong, then it gets very annoying/insulting.
so "are you german(or some other ethnicity)"
"nope"
"oh sorry, then were are you from?"
"i'm from (blah)"
"oh really? that's awesome. what's it like there?"
"i love your accent, are you irish?"
really sounds like you want to find out if someone's irish and that you might be lying about loving their accent.
everyone knows what an irish accent sounds like.
2007-03-12 01:37:40 · answer #4 · answered by briank1458 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Accidently bump into them of drop a sheaf of papers, then start up a conversation.
2007-03-12 08:56:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just ask them where they are from.
Ask your friends where their ancestors came from.
Asking these questions is neither wrong nor racist.
If somebody hates themselves it's not your fault.
2007-03-12 01:54:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
What a pleasure to see people from faroff lands visiting our country! I wish, someday, I too could visit your country. Where are u from?
2007-03-12 01:37:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Say, "Oh, you have a nice accent. Where are you from."
2007-03-12 01:36:46 · answer #8 · answered by jcboyle 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋