If I write to you in a language that is not my first language, but is yours, and... :) ?

Question

I write something wrongly, will you correct me?

Why, or why not?

Thank you for your answer, and have a wonderful weekend! :)

Answer 1

no. so long as your intent and meaning comes across clearly enough, i see no need to correct little spelling or grammatical errors. in fact, they only help to make your ability to write in a second language all the more impressive: that you're willing to go out on a limb and DO it, while risking mistakes. not many of us are so brave.

Answer 2

This is a difficult question and I answer it out of respect. First I would question myself and the reason I may be misinterpreting what you say. I am somewhat dysfunctional and sometimes it is hard for me to get out of my linear frame of mind. Second, I would look a the other responses and try to determine what others got out of what you said. Finally, I would attempt to communicate with you to see if we could come to some mutual understanding. I don't believe that any of this falls under the heading of correction, since I would gain as much understanding by trying to follow your thought processes as you might gain from any superficial understanding of syntax or sentence structure I might have.

Thought processes actually run in different directions depending on the language or combination of languages we speak. You have the advantage of being able to think in at lest two directions, and I would always hope to take advantage of that, while offering you a few hints in trade. It isn't much of a bargain for you, but as I said, all I can offer you along with it,is my respect and gratitude for the exchange.

There is an excellent example above:

I write something wrongly

On the surface, this might be perceived as clumsy, but it is actually very poetic. If you were to translate the phrase into your own language (Portuguese?) it might even be elegant. In English, we might say

If I were write something incorrectly

or

If I were to make an error in grammar or syntax

But that would isolate it's meaning and would not convey nearly as much as you actually said.

You actually suggested that we might be gracious enough to let you know if a perfectly innocent phrase might have an unintended meaning in slang, or even in some formal way that had not been explained to you. This is why many people would be hesitant to attempt to modify anything you have written. It has depth and meaning of it's own, and we might cheapen or take away the meaning you were attempting to convey.

If you are sincere about wanting correction, you must understand that it must be an interactive process and you must be prepared for some frustration. You already know what you mean, and we may think we know what you mean, but the meeting of the minds only occurs when they are both the same thing. That is rare, even among people who speak the same language in the same area. True understanding is one of those small miracles we prize, but often do so little to obtain.

Answer 3

I am Bulgarian, and if you were for instance Ghanian and we were talking in Bulgarian, yes I would correct you. That's because I believe everyone like to learn.
English is not my first language, but my bf don't speak any other language but English. So as you see we can only communicate in English. Anytime I make a mistake he corrects me, but never, ever jokes with my broken English. Sometimes myown mistakes make me laugh, but he never laughs, just tells me the right way I should say it. I believe he don't wanna offend me. And you know what's very sweet. Anytime I don't know a word in English, he patiently and profusely explains it to me, no matter if he is busy whatching football, or listening to his favourite song. He turns the volume down and explains. I think he enjoys that, because he is helping me in a way.
I would correct you in a nice and polite way, because I would love to help you learn my mother tongue.

Answer 4

I shall say no .
If what you write is understandable and the message you want to pass is clear , i will not correct you.
I will take in consideration that you are doing an effort to communicate in a language which is not your first one but if i consider that you are using words which can be rude or inappropriate , i will tell you then.
PS.
Your question applies to me also.Thank you moon.

Answer 5

First I'd made sure I understand what you're trying to say. Then I'd respond to it. Because surely that's the point of the exercise. Finally I would explain more correct ways to say it - probably burdening you with more of the confusing riches of the language than you really want! But I just adore it, and love opening doors.

Answer 6

I might. It depends on what it is. If I can understand what you are saying, I may not, unless it's important and can embarrass you in front of others......then I would try to save you from that, and tell you. However, I would never 'correct' you with an aire of superiority in an attempt to be snooty, or to make you feel stupid.

Answer 7

I would but only if it's quite a big mistake which may alter the meaning of a sentence or if it doesn't make sense at all. I'd probably suggest a better way of saying what you're trying to say :)

Answer 8

nope as long as I understand it there is no need to correct anything I am not a teacher

Answer 9

yes i will
cuz at least u r trying to learn a new language

Answer 10

i would corect you in a kind way making sure that you realize that its okay. But i mean like if you said grap and its supposed to be grape, i wouldnt because it could just be an accent thing.