Offended by my Spanish?

Question

I am caucasian, but have been learning Spanish for about 10 years now.
I have a gift for dialects, and I have been told hundreds of times that my Spanish "accent" is perfect. Most Spanish speakers really appreciate that I have made the effort to learn their beautiful language. However, some Spanish speakers seem to be really offended when they hear me speaking Spanish. Why?
And it's NEVER females who are offended...only males.

Answer 1

Maybe they don't get offended, maybe they're just really surprised that you speak spanish so well. : )

Answer 2

It's just that they're defensive. I know alot of people say "you should learn spanish" but when I learned I hear "Look at that little black girl, she thinks she can speak spanish? SO WHAT!" and it's usually women for me. Why? because they're intimidated. And usually it's the ones who can't speak both languages. People that can speak both languages are very supportive and excited, but the others just get jealous and feel like you have an advantage over them, which you do.

Plus it's kinda hard for them to talk junk behind our backs if we understand them huh? Has that ever happened to you? It happens to me ALL THE TIME.

Me vale pi*a si se enojan la gente

Answer 3

Well, it is always nice to hear somebody is doing nicely with languages. Keep it up!

As for your question...I guess before looking for a reason to this situation, it would be a good thing to,

1. Give a little more info, for example, are you talking about Latin American men? Spaniards?

2. Have you paid attention to the way you speak? Sometimes, we (inadvertently) use a tone, or give signals that may imply something different from what we are saying, thus, causing a bad impression. Keep an eye on tones and body language.

3. Don't forget that latino men, though nice, outgoing and in general quite generous, tend to feel they are the alpha males in their surroundings (typical macho) -By the way, to avoid misunderstandings, I come from and have been raised in Peru, one of such countries.

Answer 4

I am vehemently anti-Obama, but I don't see your point at all, here. I don't see him laying any blame and I watched the speech. Americans are most arrogant when discussing bilingualism. It is accepted (even expected) all over the world - but Americans fight it tooth and nail. Why would you NOT want your children to speak Spanish? How will they know what is being said about them, if they don't understand the language? While I would support English as our national language, I fight ignorance at every turn.

Answer 5

Im spanish and what u need to no is that anyone who is offended is only feeling that way either because u said something wrong (which i doubt) or because they are jelous dont wrry about it ok just be ur self and do wat u have been doing if they have a problem with it then to bad they can deal with it on there own

Answer 6

-I suspect it's a 'macho' thing, which has many aspects in Spanish culture. If you're a white guy in the U.S. speaking espanol they probably feel like you're appropriating their culture. The Spanish language is part of their cultural identity and they consider it 'theirs'. So you, a 'gringo' speaking it, especially speaking it well, threatens them. Probably also they know can't insult you without you knowing what's being said... ;-)

Answer 7

I can't imagine why anybody would have a problem with your speaking the same language as they do. The only thing I can think of is that they object to what you're saying, not the language in which you're saying it.

Answer 8

They (men) are jealous. They probably think you are out to get "their" women. As a Mexican woman I can tell you that I am impressed. I know how hard it is to learn a second language. Hispanic women love white guys...especially the ones they can understand!

Answer 9

They are jealous that you know as much as them, as far as their language is concerned.

Don´t pay attention. And congratulations on your Spanish.

Answer 10

I am a Mexican guy, and I congratulate you for learning our language and appreciating it.