Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - When is it appropriate to speak another language?

Cynthetiq · 05-14-2003, 02:22 PM

I'm a fan of the immerssion method for English.. but we are talking about a second language here.

One time in Queens park I watch a spanish speaker talk to another in english only to have the second spanish person chastise him and demand he speak spanish so that they could be private, never of course thinking that me and my wife both speak Spanish very well. I found it a bit reprehensible but then again.. more power to them.

I have cousins born and raised here in the US and they speak Tagalog (filipino for those that don't know) and sometimes they try to talk to me in Tagalog. I only speak to my grandparents in Tagalog because of respect for them. As for the rest of the family, I speak to them in english. My native born cousins here have some pretty thick accents and IMHO I think that it set them back a bit because they cannot articulate well. I see even people with Brooklyn/Queens/Bronx accents not do well. Aiight?

Now when I speak to some of these other flips in the city. I'll sometimes will speak to them like a local. Why? I dunno.. keeps me skills up. As far as looking for a discount.. eh.. if they wanna give one.. they will give one.

Now my wife.. she doesn't speak Tagalog... so when grandma and grandpa are talking it's my duty to translate for her. Or ask that they speak in english because IMO I think it's rude to not include someone in the conversation that is in the room.

05-14-2003, 02:22 PM	#4 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	I'm a fan of the immerssion method for English.. but we are talking about a second language here. One time in Queens park I watch a spanish speaker talk to another in english only to have the second spanish person chastise him and demand he speak spanish so that they could be private, never of course thinking that me and my wife both speak Spanish very well. I found it a bit reprehensible but then again.. more power to them. I have cousins born and raised here in the US and they speak Tagalog (filipino for those that don't know) and sometimes they try to talk to me in Tagalog. I only speak to my grandparents in Tagalog because of respect for them. As for the rest of the family, I speak to them in english. My native born cousins here have some pretty thick accents and IMHO I think that it set them back a bit because they cannot articulate well. I see even people with Brooklyn/Queens/Bronx accents not do well. Aiight? Now when I speak to some of these other flips in the city. I'll sometimes will speak to them like a local. Why? I dunno.. keeps me skills up. As far as looking for a discount.. eh.. if they wanna give one.. they will give one. Now my wife.. she doesn't speak Tagalog... so when grandma and grandpa are talking it's my duty to translate for her. Or ask that they speak in english because IMO I think it's rude to not include someone in the conversation that is in the room. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!