Saying that you don't speak English, is it a good idea in society?

Question

I'm a quiet person. who almost never talks. I suck and i make so many mistakes . So now i've decided to tell everyone that i don't speak english, which is actually correct. But they are so push y and say that i do!!

I'm confused. talkative americans say i'm trash and that i dont know how to speak but then if i tell them that i dont' know how to speak.. they insist i do..

by the way i'm latino.. and i also don't speak spanish well at all. so i say that i don't speak spanish because it's true.. but then the mexicans say You look mexican.. so you do speak spanish! Man, when will they understand?

I speak nothing. it's the truth so why doesn't society believe me?

Answer 1

You gotta' quit listening to the rude and stupid things people say.
Tune in to your ability. You actually speak TWO languages, no matter whether they're both fluent or not. If you're interested in improving either, say so when in contact with someone who speaks the (either) language. Rather than saying you "can't" speak, say, "I'm learning and improving all the time", and see if your listener is helpful and supportive to you. If not, ignore them. Be open to folks who hear you with their heart first, not a language they might get picky about.
I think you're lucky, and you could just toughen up your skin a bit, that is, don't be bothered by people's comments. You know what's right and true. No one can take that away, don't give it up. Your opinion counts.
I'm supportive with the Mexicans in my community (I've been with Mexicans since Kindergarden, all the way through college), and I dislike people being impatient or rude when the language issue comes up. Good grief, what a stupid thing to have division over. In fact, it's the good reason to unite, we all have some understanding to reach out for . . .
Be strong and proud of your abilities. Remember to master anything well takes some time. Hang in there, and have a star.

Answer 2

Is this really the issue or do you feel unaccepted by both groups? I know my step son was born in the US, is an American, speaks perfect English, can't speak Spanish at all but the kids at school pick on him because his last name is Gonzalez and call him a beaner and a Mexican even tough he is white and and his parents are from Spain.

He is so confused about his identity because most of the Spanish speaking people in the US are Latinos and everyone is so ignorant that the Americans assume he is a Latino and the Latinos assume he is a Latino. A lot of Latinos look down on other Latinos that can't speak Spanish. So its hard for some to feel like they fit in anywhere.

Hopefully as you get older you'll worry about it less. I think most adults don't worry about fitting in that is mostly a younger generation thing.

Answer 3

Why would you tell people you dont speak English, when you do? You have serious issues.

Answer 4

well you write in English very well. And, that makes me think you also speak it passably at least.