It is a non-native English speaker, and they wrote me an email, and I'm clueless. I don't know how to politely respond and say I have no idea what you are asking!
2007-06-12 13:38:13 · 16 answers · asked by Heron By The Sea 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
"Sorry, I don't understand what you are saying. Can you write it again and use other words?"
You have to keep it very simple, the person obviously doesn't speak much English.
2007-06-12 22:43:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As someone who has lived in a foreign country and had to speak a second language, I would apologize and say -in simple words- that you don't understand. Don't try to sugar coat it like you would with a native speaker. The person may not understand something like "please rephrase" or "I'm having trouble understanding." Stick with "I'm sorry. I don't understand." And don't feel bad about it.
2007-06-12 20:54:57 · answer #2 · answered by Jen O 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just be honest with them. I work around a lot of people who speak a lot of broken English and most the time I ask then this question. " I'm sorry but I don't know what your trying to say to me, please speak clearly to me, so that I can understand you clearly. Thank you"
2007-06-12 20:50:33 · answer #3 · answered by Breeze Aubrey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask them gently to rephrase the whole thing. These things happen many times and there is nothing wrong to ask for rephrasing.
2007-06-13 04:32:06 · answer #4 · answered by nimesh 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you know their native language, type a simple letter saying that you are having trouble understanding them, translate it with 'babblefish' , and send it off to them.
2007-06-12 20:44:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Respond and say,"Thank you for your response, however I am having a hard time understanding the termonology that you have used. May you please repharse it for me and send it back so that I might respond with an acceptable answer."
2007-06-12 20:46:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can call and say "Hi! Thanks for your e-mail", and see where it goes from there.
it is indeed very tacky and hurtful to say you didn't understand a word when they're obviously trying to speak the language.
Otherwise, show the letter to someone you trust, and see if they understand.
2007-06-12 20:43:44 · answer #7 · answered by yogi 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I apriciate you e-mail regarding [insert subject here]. However, would it be possible for you to clarify the specifics of the e-mail. I seem to be having trouble understanding the concepts!
2007-06-12 20:43:22 · answer #8 · answered by Cloudyheartgurl 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Say this: I am sorry sir/ma'm. I don't understand what you are saying. I'd be happy to converse with you but do not understand you.
2007-06-12 20:47:14 · answer #9 · answered by koolksmart55 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have no choice but to tell them. Say......"I'm sorry, but I don't really get what you are saying. Can you rephrase?"
2007-06-13 04:17:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋