Is it rude for people to speak a different language in front of you?
Avoid speaking a foreign language in front of others. Speaking a foreign language can create a perception of exclusivism, and usually, people become suspicious and irritated when they don’t understand. Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes and see how you would feel.
Is it rude to reply in another language?
It is in fact very rude to switch to another language if the person who has initiated the conversation is proficient in the language and can be easily understood by the other person.
Why do the French respond in English?
They want to practice their English Just as you may be trying to improve your French by using it in public, French people may notice your accent and hear an opportunity to practice their English. I’ve had this happen a few times (I know because they told me). Voilà, they speak English with you!
How do you respond to someone who is talking to you?
Walk away and find someone who talks to you with respect. If you don’t want to dignify their comment with a verbal response, sometimes the best response is to walk away, whether they’re still talking or not.
How can you tell if someone is speaking in a foreign accent?
As I mentioned a moment ago, we can immediately detect a foreign or regional accent. If the person you’re speaking with is more comfortable with non-native speakers, this may not be such a big deal. It may be an interesting fact or a conversation starter. They might bring it up just like they would talk about the sky being blue or cloudy.
How do you deal with people who don’t understand you?
The simplest way to handle these comments is to acknowledge that yes, you are a non-native speaker, but you speak well. Remember, they may be asking themselves, “Do I understand this person?” Some people may simply decide that they don’t understand you, even if they actually could, if they tried.
How do you politely tell someone not to talk down to you?
There’s no harm in calmly and directly saying, “Don’t talk down to me.” In effect, you’re letting them know you’ve noticed their condescending approach, and you’re not letting them get away with it. It stops them in their tracks and puts them on the spot for a change.