how to: talk to a foreigner
If you are reading this blog, you know English. Congrats! I really mean that. I feel lucky to have been born with English as my native tongue. No matter where you are in the world, English will usually suffice for getting by. For instance, my German friend here speaks English for work. Normal, of course. What seems funny is that he speaks English with Italians and Russians as their mutual language.
So, yes I feel fortunate to speak English. Learning another language is great, but for me it is not a necessity. However, if you live in a foreign country the best way to get acclimated is to converse with the natives. In Germany, there are a ton of English speakers. However, their English is rarely perfect. If someone is willing to speak English with you, it is important to keep in mind that English is not their first language to avoid misunderstanding and frustrating situations for them.
How to Talk to a Non-native English Speaker:
1) Enunciate. This is the most difficult for me as I was formerly the mumbling queen. Make sure each word comes out sounding loud and clear.
2) Speak slowly. My mind races 100 miles per hour and my words tend to come out that way. At home in Texas, some people still did not understand me. Here, I have to remind myself to steady my pace, particularly after a glass (or several) of wine.
3) Avoid expressions/idioms. You know, all those weird expressions that make no sense but we are so used to hearing. For instance, “You’re pulling my leg” for you’re joking. I say things like this and get blank stares. Remember, nonnative speakers hear words and translate them literally.
4) Avoid slang. You know, saying booze instead of alcohol or chill instead of calm down.
5) Use proper grammar. This is a struggle. English learners are trying to speak properly and you need to set the best example for imitation. Often, I am asked what the proper usage is and I have to think hard back to the seventh grade. Sometimes I get the answer and sometimes I go with whatever sounds better. So, I have been brushing up.
Basically, talking to a foreigner is like talking to an old person. Speaking with Germans who are learning English has helped my English speaking tremendously. It sends me back to the basics and puts me to the test daily. It helps me avoid my own language flaws, such as mumbling and being a complete valley girl saying “like” all the time out of context. I never saw this coming, but it’s true.
For me, as a New Jerseyian, it was about learning to cut back on the sarcasm.
Non-native speakers obviously don't take it as such and think you just sound mean… haha… The funny thing is, now when people are sarcastic, I don't pick up on it as easily–and always have to ask to double check!
I have to admit that I also feel happy to know that English is my first language! I can go anywhere in the world and get by pretty a-okay. I have experienced much the same here in Norway when it comes to dealing with others' English, it really does make you think back to middle school grammar! Great points on communicating with others – can't forget about the hand signals we often use!!
i'm fluent in baby talk only
Loose all your Texas accent
No seriously, I had to when there. No one understood it! lol
I'm living Austria, and to be honest, I really do understand slangs and some idioms when it comes to English, especially the american one.
I know, there are a lot of facettes and levels, because every city, not only a country has their own ways of "talking" and slangs of course. I'm actually from Serbia, but since I came to Vienna, I realized that English is not that "famous" here at all. Because my plan was to talk in English before I learn German, but since it didn't work I had to learn it the hard way. I think in Germany it's a little different, but English doesn't work here that well. Are you actually learning German?
@Aleksandra – I am trying to learn, but for my job I have to speak English all the time to the kids and then my German friends like to practice their English with me. Thus, learning has been difficult. However, in most instances I have had no trouble getting by with English, even though I'm not in a "tourist" city.
and…if a foreigner annoys me, i just speak in all slang so they cant understand me no matter how much they brag about how good their english is.
but no, these are some super tips!!!!
It's crazy when you think about how many idioms you use in a day that make no logical sense.
Definitely agree (I live in Spain, but same difference). I imagine with speaking to Germans you pretty much stop using present continuous though, right? : D like "I go" instead of "I'm going."