I No Speak English
by I hear these words uttered sometimes and roll my eyes. Selective speaking or comprehension of ANY language is an avoidance of responsibility.
What’s with that?
Our country is full of people from all over the world. Many speak more than one language.
Some are “not able” to understand even basic English in matters that concern accepting responsibility for something gone wrong, (the wrong paint color on a wall) but are interestingly gifted communicators when asking for a favor or consideration. (can you pay me now?)
“I no speak English” is many times a lot like my 5 year old covering his ears when I ask him to wipe his butt, wash his hands or brush his teeth. And, it’s hard to PROVE that someone understands me when they say that they don’t. But, I’m working on it. So be scared….very scared.
Wish I COULD use that excuse when life gets uncomfortable. I guess I could if I move to a Spanish speaking country or something. Seems kind of extreme just for the sake of evening the playing field. (selling my house, moving costs, going to a place where I don’t speak the language and with no source of income or big savings account and 2 mouths (that DO speak English) to feed.
Next time someone tells me they don’t speak or understand English, I’m going to tell THEM that I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THEY JUST SAID. That I DON’T understand THEM. I’ll pull the old switcheroo on them…the misdirection, designed to confuse and bring the truth to the surface by adding MORE bull to the already BIG pile of it.
I embrace cultural diversity. I just don’t like when people hide BEHIND their culture to avoid the heat.
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Post CommentKay
On September 15, 2009 at 7:58 am
Great write! I know of what you speak. I get annoyed when people “forget” how to speak the language “temporarily”.
apoorva
On September 15, 2009 at 8:15 am
I’m not agree with you. As in many countries there is no education of English like in Switzerland. And in India People can understand english very well but the problem is that they don’t get any environment where they can speak english. They are not use to with english so they feel hesitation in speaking english. Similar case is with me I’m not use to with english as we use to speak hindi in our schools and home. So I’m nincompoop in english
apoorva
On September 15, 2009 at 8:18 am
If you can speak English correctly then its not mean that you blame others who can’t.
gianne
On September 15, 2009 at 8:38 am
apoorva,
You missed my point. I am not judging anyone who cannot speak English. I am writing about people who ONLY speak English when it serves them.
There is no shame in not being comfortable with English. But being SELECTIVELY comfortable is what I’m referring to in this article.
THank you for your views and for reading!
papaleng
On September 16, 2009 at 1:10 am
you have stated well your views.