Comments on: Is It Rude to Speak Spanish in Front of Those Who Don’t Understand?

By: Rose

Rose — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 18:09:36 +0000

As a Spanish teacher for levels 1, 2, and AP I personally believe it is not rude. Of course, everything depends on how you go about the situation. For example, during school functions such as back-to-school- night, open house and other events, there are times where I have to speak Spanish to certain parents because their English is limited and they are much more comfortable with their native language, Spanish. Some monolingual parents and even school staff very much dislike that I speak Spanish to those particular parents. I however, believe that all parents and students have the right to obtain school information in whichever method they prefer and are most comfortable with. When I speak and give information to parents, regardless of the language I use, it is all the same. I ensure that parents are well informed and if that requires me giving the info to some parents in one language and another to the other parents, then so be it. I do not understand why people get mad.

As for those who say that English should be learned by those who do not speak it, there are many factors to consider. Anyone who has ever learned a second language knows the struggle that it can be to begin with. New grammatical structures, alphabet, and in some cases, signs/symbols. Aside from this, age also plays a role in how quickly and easily one grasps a language. The older you are when you learn, the harder and longer it takes to learn in comparison to younger people. So for example, if a parent of age range 30-40 just recently moved a few years ago to the U.S. from another country it will be more challenging for them to learn than their teenage child. I think this is something that many people tend to overlook when talking about others “needing to learn the [country's] language.”

By: Kirk

Kirk — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 19:18:19 +0000

I’m amazed at the justification being sold here. It’s symptomatic of our society where too many of us consider ourselves to hold an educational high ground at the expense of simple respect and courtesy for and toward others. Speaking a language foreign to those in your presence is simply an educated version of two adults whispering to each other while among others who are fully aware. Paint it as eloquent as you can, it’s really disrespectful.

By: Love

Love — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 04:33:18 +0000

Please stop with the sarcasm Karen (we’re all adults here.) As far as the OP’s question goes-yes, i do believe it’s rude if you are in a gathering and you know there is someone in the group (even if it’s just one person!) who does not speak anything but their one language (be it English, Spanish, Chinese etc.)

As for our little debate here- I too am pretty savy at picking up foreign languages HOWEVER I have a hard time actually holding a conversation (it’s easier for me to pick up on what they’re saying.) I do find it annoying when there’s a family holding up the line/place etc. because for whatever reason the non-English speaking adult only brought the under five year old child as their only interpreter…and the child barely understands themself. In those cases, I would agree with OP’s mil haters-if you’re always speaking one language at home and then expect you’re kid to be able to go out and interpret for you..9/10 times it’s not gonna go well.
However, I do see the merit of raising your kids as bilingual as possible- everytime my DS is able to successfully respond to me in French I feel a little giddy.

By: Sandra Cortez

Sandra Cortez — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 00:14:58 +0000

I am really can understand you!! Finally someone that lived in a world like my own. I mean I like the challenge and motivation it brings to want to learn another language because truth be told…who likes to feel singled out!? I’m sure it is very easy to fall into speaking your native language when you can, but consideration needs understood to. If the shoes was on the other foot…..There would be some of the same feelings you were feeling. Good for you for trying to teach you children another language. I’m there with you!!!

By: Patrick Fowler

Patrick Fowler — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 18:56:35 +0000

Speaking as a non-spanish speaking person. I do think it can be rude to speak in a language only you and a limited amount of people can understand while in front of people who cannot understand it, it is almost like they feel they’re too dumb to comprehend what is being said and it almost feels dirty if that makes sense. I have lived in my state all of my life and I was raised to only speak english. Spanish did not become such a thing in the united states until I was well into adulthood.

However, when your speak to your child you should be free to speak to them in any language you want. It is america and you have the right to do so and I completely support this. However, if you can speak english around people who only speak english it seems polite to do so.

By: Jeb

Jeb — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 14:27:43 +0000

I think speaking both languages as much as possible is the best method, when teaching children or someone wanting to learn. I also think that continually speaking any language often and in front of someone that you know does not understand, is extremely rude! At least try to make it a point of explaination as to why you are speaking that language that he or she doesn’t understand! We had a close friend that we became distant with because she continually did this in front of us at social gatherings. We knew all of the people spoke and understood both languages, so eventually we felt she was saying something that she did not want us to hear. Unfortunately people always assume that negative stuff is being mentioned about them! When we mentioned to her, our feelings on this. She felt insulted and replied to us, like we were wrong for assuming? I don’t know however, because to me it’s like everyone is whispering to everyone in the group, while staring at you and excluding you from the whispering!

By: Karen

Karen — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 01:58:54 +0000

Oh, and your comment saying they are expecting everyone in the world to speak Spanish is just silly and says way more than you realize about you.

By: Karen

Karen — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 01:50:18 +0000

I agree that it is too bad that someone raised in the United States and/or schooled in them has not been able to learn proper English. I see it all day every day online. And these are usually Americans who only speak English. I know hundreds of Hispanics from other countries and not one of them wants their children to not learn proper English, but they are also not able to tell when that English is not perfectly used. Why haven’t you helped your friend over the years? (I am assuming any errors in your post are due to your typing not grammar errors as I hope you will mine. )

By: Kate

Kate — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 21:57:56 +0000

I find it disturbing that people that pasted high school and got a degree same as mine didn’t have to know that much about anything including normal everyday words in English . I think it’s bad to only speak Spanish to your kids it sets them up for bad jobs and you’ll allows have them living with you … I think it’s really unhealthy that people aren’t educating themselves in the most used language spoken around the (developed) world … It’s embarrassing how easy it is for my friend to lose me in a conversation and she is trying to speak better but simple words she doesn’t understand (we are 26 by the way she has always lived in usa). Then she goes on to say how in Spanish cultural family is important … Well I hope it is b.c she will need all the families help she can get b.c she’ll never be able to have a job that pays more than 14$ In America b.c of her language barrier and that’s her families and school districts fault … I don’t understand way it’s so hard to let go and let your little kid be educated for the world they live in not the world you think you’ll someday have b.c you guys are going to make us all speak Spanish someday ?

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