where English is a second language? If so, is it more of an insult for a non-native speaker to butcher your language or for them not to try? Just curious after getting off the phone with a customer from Quebec who refused to speak English even though he could.
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David
The chief cause of failure in this life is giving up what you want most for what you want at the moment. -
Does married into a family with members that have English as a Second Language count?
It all depends on the person I think... My FIL has mentioned that he likes it when I try to give my WEAK Spanish a workout, but one of the cabbies I ran into in Cancun didn't seem to appreciate my mispronouncing several words... Of course he could have been having a bad day...Please like and subscribe to my YouTube channel. Please check out and subscribe to my Workshop Blog. -
Hi David - English is my primary language, so I don't fit the demographic of your question, but I did find that when in Paris, the Parisians seemed to appreciate any attempts at speaking French, and tended to be more cooperative with English as a result. I remembered just enough French from 7th grade to order basic foods, and work my way around a few stores without calling anyone's grandmother a fat dirty pig!
(that I know of...
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Happiness is sort of like wetting your pants....everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth.
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My wife as a gift for languages and enjoys learning them (Spanish, French, German, Russian, Italian, Japanese). People have always been very helpful when she makes an attempt.
I think it's fair to say that most folks won't be upset if you try, even if you make terrible mistakes. The fact that you're willing to make an attempt really means a lot.Comment
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English is my second language. My first language is American...Comment
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It seems that the native French speakers (wherever they happen to be) are the most touchy about it. That particular attitude may not be too widespread but I've run into it repeatedly with the Quebecois in the past so I'm guessing it is.
On the flip side I've never run into that with folks where Spanish or German (much smaller sample, and the only other language I can attempt to communicate in) is their primary language. They may not converse with you in English but they don't have the "You must speak my language" vibe.
Now, all that said, once you put the word "Customer" in the picture then I think it becomes reasonable to expect native language support at least for the "biggies" (English, French, Spanish, German, Chineese) and maybe for the second tier languages if you sell your products in those areas... That doesn't mean you need all of your fiber switch engineers to speak those languages, but you should perhaps have some type of translator available when needed.Comment
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I spent a lot of time in Japan when in the U.S. Navy and the people there seemed to love it when a foreigner spoke or attempted to speak their language. I am also learning Spanish (wife is orignally from Mexico) and most appreciate that I at least make an attempt to speak their language. They just laugh when I butcher a phrase or word.
I think most people appreciate it when someone speaks at least some of their native language, it kind of shows some appreciation of their culture. Those who don't appreciate it, well I guess that are just not tolerant of others.
RAGS
Raggy and Me in San Felipe
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I wouldn't worry about it... Many of them can't speak their own language... And with 3+ sets of writing characters, even more of them can't read Japanese. I have a friend who teaches English at Hiroshima University, and I have sent him photos of brushings that his native Japanese students can't even agree should be read right-to-left or left-to-right, much less the actual meaning of the writing.
Japanese are very adamant that English be required study in their schools. I think this is because they still need some way to reliably communicate with each other...
Hank, maybe you could weigh in on this?Comment
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I talk to people all over the world on a fairly regular basis. The only language I have run into this issue with is French speakers, and the majority of those are from Quebec. I don't have a problem if they can't speak English, I only have a problem if they choose not to. I'd certainly speak French if I knew more than how to count and say the alphabet. Although I talked to a group in France just this morning and they actually wanted to practice their English. So I guess it takes all kinds.David
The chief cause of failure in this life is giving up what you want most for what you want at the moment.Comment
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Please like and subscribe to my YouTube channel. Please check out and subscribe to my Workshop Blog.Comment
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When I attempt to use Spanish with customers and run out content in my mental dictionary they are glad to help out. I think that it helps them to feel less self-conscious about their own shortcomings in English - kind of like mutual embarrassment. My Maternal grandparents were naturalized citizens from Italy and spoke terrible English. I didn't love them any the less and the customers to their little dry-goods store in the western coal fields of PA didn't care either. They loved to stop and talk with them.
Blessings,
Chiz
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When I was working... the only issues we had seemed to come from Quebec even though they were calling us to purchase our product. Most would have a friend call with them standing by to tell the friend what to ask for. But.. there were a few peculiar ones who insisted we get someone that spoke French. And I mean insisted. I would tell them I could get a translator on the phone but.. it would turn a 3 minute order into a 45 minute ordeal as everything had to be repeated by both parties to the translator.
Even though I don't particulary care for Parisians in general as I think the majority I have dealt with are very rude to Americans. Frankly.. I would never visit Paris again and spend my money. Having said that... I would visit the French country-side where I found the non-Parisians extremely friendly, especially the older ones who appreciated we showed up in WWII and they continue to speak French in lieu of German.Comment
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My first language is English. OK, American English. It doesn't bother me when I hear someone with a different first language try using English. But it does bother me to have to call customer service, when they send the call to India or some other country (one of my pet peeves). I almost always have a real hard time communicating with them.
EdDo you know about kickback? Ray has a good writeup here... https://www.sawdustzone.org/articles...mare-explained
For a kickback demonstration video http://www.metacafe.com/watch/910584...demonstration/Comment
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My first language is German. What drove my wife (Minnesota Girl) crazy in Germany is that Germans trying to be helpful tend to correct foreigners, which ticks most Americans off who think it is rude. Different cultures...
Funny thing: especially in southern Germany it is not uncommon that folks who grew up juts 50 miles from each other need to resort to English to communicate, because they can't understand their respective dialects...Comment
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