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Do the people in the english speaking countries appreciate someone to learn english?

Kennnnnnnni - 2009-07-12 00:17:25 - Other - Cultures Groups

My employer send me to work overseas for two years. I'm an asian, so language would be a problem. If a foreigner is willing to learn my language, I would appreciate him. But I think english speaking people just take it for granted.

Best Answer:

In no small part because there are so many non-native speakers in English-speaking countries. It isn't exactly something that's noteworthy.

Answers:

In no small part because there are so many non-native speakers in English-speaking countries. It isn't exactly something that's noteworthy.

You are right. English speakers assume you will learn their language, as it is a de facto universal language. Do not expect an English speaker to make an effort if they cannot understand you.

Ehh... here's my personal experience. Americans expect foreigners to learn english if they're going to be here. Then tend to get pissed off if they don't bother to learn english, but at the same time they do tend to take it for granted. I'm doing my best to become proficient at spanish, so I understand the difficulty of trying to learn a language and having people aggravated at me when I fall short. I respect people when they try to learn english when they come here, but I also do get mad at people when they live here and don't make any effort to learn english. So here's what I have to say; It depends on the person. I respect, and appreciate, people who learn english, but there's also a group of people who just expect it of people, and don't pay people the respect they deserve. so yes and no, it depends on the person.

we do appreciate it when foreigners take the time to learn english. what we do not appreciate is foreigners ( illegal mexican immigrants) coming here and assuming we need to know their language (spanish) and giving us crap for not being able to understand them

well not all those illlegals mexicans that you dont like think that you need to speak spanish. it is the second spoken language in the US so yeah i see why some would think that. Some do know how to speak english. By the way they are not all mexicans some are from other countries like in central american. its like calling all asian people chinese

i really appreciate it when people come to america and learn/know english. i think its kind of rude for people to live in america and not know english, but thats just me. one of my pet peeves. but i mean i like having all sorts of people in america, it would be nice if we all knew the same language though otherwise it gets confusing.

Majority are willing to help you. First, learn some of the manners and culture to the country you going, it will be helpful..

If you are working with English speakers, you will be motivated to learn English to be able to communicate with them. I don't think it is rude of people to not learn English when they go to an English-speaking country. My reason is this: those who don't learn usually have no need to; they live in communities of people who speak their language and even the stores they go to speak their language; in short, they can get along fine without English, so why should they bother? Anyway, I don't think you need to worry about learning English. Learn the basics for simple interactions, and then see how much you need to get along. Language immersion is the only really good way to learn another language, and you'll pick it up as fast as you need to. Good luck!!

I teach English in Kuala Lumpur. Hats off to the people who learn to speak English. Compared to their languages, English is extremely difficult.

You right buddy

It`s a fact that most countries understand a little english and in the main it is appreciated but if people are on holiday that`s half the fun to try and pick-up some of the lingo, is`t it? If they come to live than that's`different. It`s in their own interest to know the language to be able to interact but that`s true with every person in another country. It is true I think the population of english speaking countries are lazy when it comes to languages though.