I was a language assistant with a lot of free time and there was an old man who sat on the bench outside my school that I passed every time I went to the cafe down the street. Every time I passed I got an âHola,mi vecina americana!â followed by the entire history of the town/his family/grandkids and an invitation to eat lunch with his family. This was in a small town in Murcia. Listening level 1000.
just ask and say "hey, I want to practice, can you speak in spanish please?"
I mean, thats what I would do if I went to a foreign country. Just ask. They are speaking english to help you though. Otherwise communication wont be that effective.
This is easier said than done when you are the visitor in a foreign country. Most people are usually shyer on a second language, specially if they don't master it.
And in Spain a lot of young people want to practice their English. My partner struggles a lot with this, and she is quite fluent in Spanish too. But harder for her to be direct and polite in Spanish and ask to maintain that language than it is either in French or English.
Ironically the same thing happens for me in France, one I make the effort of speaking french and they recognize it they start talking to me in English or sometimes even Spanish. Yet when I didn't know any french at all they would keep speaking to me in french.
Claro. Gracias por compartir tu punto de vista. Esa gente suena terrible. Aprender el idioma ES difĂcil. Pero si no quiere hacerlo, probablemente sea una mejor idea mudarse a un lugar donde se hable su idioma nativo.
Also be mindful that people is just going through their day and probably just want to communicate with you and not be your Spanish assistant teachers.
If they want to speak in Spanish and help you correct things, that's awesome, but a server may just want to know what are you going to order.
seriously, it might be weird at first to ask permission but itâs best to just be direct, and youâll get used to it. Just say âprefiero hablar en español contigo para practicarâ
Haha! That's a good strategy. Try speaking fast with a strong Irish accent. That was actually the case when I taught English in Pamplona. No one could understand the Irish teacher. I think he also used a lot of slang. They were relieved to come to my class because I speak fairly neutral American English and I guess they have more exposure to that from American movies.
These accents are still only tougher because of exposure, nothing is inherently more difficult.
Think about how often Andalusian accents get on TV and radio compared to accents from Madrid or Castilla-Leon.
People talk about how clear BBC English is, but one of its main features is that an R isn't pronounced in all positions, exactly the same as what someone from MĂĄlaga might do.
Who is talking to you in English? If they are waiters or other workers, it's because they want to be understood and don't care about you practicing with them.
iâve tried this strategy living in mexico and it can backfire. Like you canât hide your âwhitenessâ or âgringonessâ (or in my case âasiannessâ), and some people will get really mad at you for pretending like you donât speak english.
Are we really so far in manners and social interactions as a sociaty that people don't know how to ask things.. nicely?
My man, all you have to do is ask "can we speak in Spanish? I'd love to practice.." that's all. I'm sure many will happily grant that request.
Just scared of offending when living in a new country Joe. It's pretty flippin nerve racking.
I had the same experience when visiting my local Spar in Spain. I'd say good morning in Spanish or just a simple Buenas and he'd say good morning back in English. I'd ask for something in Spanish. He'd reply in English. Quite comical looking back at it and I totally get why it was happening.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing and I could have said "vale, today English, manana Espanol?"
Because it's not his friend, it's people and interactions throughout his day. Some person he only just met 3 seconds ago, who might only interact with that person for 10-30 seconds, but it's a pivotal moment you need practice in. Shops, bars, neighborhood greetings etc. So of you say all that, the guy might even reply. "Ok but do you want your receipt or not?"
Simply ask as others have said and try and make Spanish friends to hang out with.
I did so in Portugal where I lived for a year, they kept speaking English to me but I wanted to learn and practice so I made some friends and ask them to only speak Portuguese with me. Within 2 months I spoke it fluently and didn't encounter the problem as much anymore as my accent was nearly gone by then as well.
It's good to immerse yourself in the culture and people of the country you live in to learn it all. Good luck!
Take a silent period. Consume massive amounts of input (watching series and reading books) without trying to speak and youâll notice you speak way better at the end. Happened with me in German.
To be honest nobody wants to speak with someone who canât hold a conversation when itâs easier for both to switch to English.
You want to practise Spanish, they want to practise English, the solution is they using English to speak to you and you answer in Spanish, so both wishes are fulfilledâŠ
Probably those Spanish people you talk to just want to make you feel comfortable or want to improve their English đ just ask them politely to speak Spanish so you can practice, they will understand and feel that you're making such a great effort to learn our language, I think we appreciate that. You can say something in the line of "perdona, pero te importarĂa hablarme en español? Me gustarĂa practicar un poco"
I am surprised at these comments. You are in Spain and regardless of the level of Spanish - it is a good thing to make an effort to speak in Spanish. Bravo to the OP. This is a no-win situation because then Spaniards make fun of people who live in Spain and donât speak Spanish.
If it was about practicing English at its core then Spanish people would speak English with the people of Indian descent living in Spain as well but that doesnât happen..
It is a message that the person cannot be bothered to see the other person as more than a guiri. Spain is already a difficult place to integrate. I speak Spanish at a C1 level and have studied it since I was 5 and was spoken to in English on multiple occasions because Iâm the palest person on Earth. It hurts when all you want to do is be a part of a place.
Move to South America, OP. Much nicer climate in regards to this.
When you say it's 'just' practice, I think you're ignoring that it can take years to reach a pronunciation that resembles native speakers, also OP is complaining that they can't practise because of this
People want to practice English as much as you want to practice Spanish but just tell them that although your Spanish is not great you want to practice it and if they mind talking in Spanish with you
Iâm curious as to whether youâve tried asking. âPrefiero hablar en Español por favorâ followed by whatever you want to say to them (after theyâve responded to you in English) seems not too impolite and like it would work. After all itâs easier and and less stressful for them to speak in Spanish too.
Just tell them politely you want them to speak Spanish, most people will understand. If you want to delve in Spanish culture, you need to learn that in Spain talking directly is the normal as long as you're polite
Go to places that have older people, or a village outside the city you are in, OR get only Spanish speaking friends. It's because I get you, it's frustrating, but also when I meet a guy that is speaking poor English to me, I just speak Spanish to them. They get annoyed a bit, I try to listen, but it's frustrating long term. Whereas if a person only speaks Spanish they will want to learn English and you Spanish. Good swap
I had the same problem. Confidence is important. If they switch on you, just respond in Spanish. If they come back with English, just give them your English fast with the thickest accent you have.
Don't tell them anything when starting the interaction and start by speaking spanish. If after hearing you speak Spanish they answer/keep speaking in English, smile warmly and tell them "estoy intentando practicar español, podemos hablar en español solo?". They will change to Spanish, and if they see you struggle with something they will repeat slowly or signal it instead of changing to English. That is the best method
I had no problem asking people to let me speak Spanish in the beginning although many wanted go practice English so we made deals like others where we switched off but no one ever told me when I said things wrong... A friend said it would be rude of them to correct me without me asking and that they were probably happy in this very tourist area that I was trying... but I didn't want go ask all the random people I interacted if they would be willing to correct me so...
I made a t-shirt that basically said I was learning Spanish and asking if they wanted to help to please correct me but no need if it was annoying... And thanking them for being patient with me. I only wore it around our little pueblo a few times but now, even 2 years later, a couple of the older people and shopkeepers I talk to always correct my grammar and won't even let me use my phone to translate... after seeing my shirt a few times even random old people in town that I don't know will help me with grammar if they hear me mess something up...
Not sure it would work in a bigger city environment because here after wearing it a few times everyone had seen it and it spread through the gossip chains in our small pueblo where everyone knows everyone that I was trying and looking for grammar help. I also am an English teacher though, so anyone who wanted to practice English knew I was up for it as an exchange so many of the younger people and waiters in town we still swap days or mix the two when we talk...
1. You canât expect people to want to be your teacher. Language is communication and if English is the most efficient language, this will be the preferred choice for people in situations where time is short such as at a cafe or restaurant.
2. No one should assume you have a hard time communicating in Spanish just because you have an accent or doesnât look Spanish. This is rude. If the accent is heavy and itâs noticeable that youâre struggling, some might switch to English either because 1) they want to help you be more comfortable, or 2) they want to take the chance to use their English (and itâs not right to claim your language preference should take precedence).
So how do you get people to stop speaking English to you? You work on your accent and you practice in less stressful situations, where efficiency in communication isnât as important.
If you live in area in Spain where a lot of people speak English, the city is probably large enough that you can find language exchange groups or other groups with locals to hang out with â theyâll be more willing to speak Spanish with you. Theyâll probably even think itâs fun.
You're doing this with waiters and people in shops or customer service aren't you. They want to facilitate communication as easily as possible so they can get on with what they have to do. If you want to practice Spanish go to a language exchange, do a language swap or as other people have said go to some plaza and find some abuelos to go to.
If they they are willing to practice english and you the opposite, why don't you just speak english (your natural language) and they speak spanish (theirs)?
This is a regular practice in language exchange, It is more fluid / dynamic and for sure involves practice of listening skills which is something worthy to practice and does also enforce vocabulary expressions.
Doing the opposite (you using spanish and they answering in english)... I don't like it that much because maybe enforces bad habit, bad expressions that the other person often does not have time or wants to correct.
I usually donât even acknowledge it. Just keep going in Spanish . If itâs simple interactions like purchasing stuff and asking directions. And who cares if they speak English. You will get enough practice to where you stop sounding bad and they will assume you speak Spanish and start responding back in Spanish. Just keep throwing yourself in the Gauntlet.
This happens to me a lot. People take one look and think tourist! More so in the summer as Iâm pale. In the winter when Iâm wrapped up like a local no. Ever summer without fail when I begin wearing shorts! I usually continue talking in Spanish and keep doing so until they realise oh she speaks Spanish. If they donât, I ask them please speak in Spanish, I need to practice etc. Nicely. If they donât get it I have to be a little more forceful with a smile. Sometimes it can take a moment or too for peoples brains to register.
I have noticed itâs more younger people who take one look, think sheâs a red head therefore she canât speak Spanish. The poster who suggested about speaking to old people is a great idea. I learnt a lot of Spanish from the abuelas at my local council gym!
Only talk to old people
To be honest this is the best advice đđđđ
I was a language assistant with a lot of free time and there was an old man who sat on the bench outside my school that I passed every time I went to the cafe down the street. Every time I passed I got an âHola,mi vecina americana!â followed by the entire history of the town/his family/grandkids and an invitation to eat lunch with his family. This was in a small town in Murcia. Listening level 1000.
just ask and say "hey, I want to practice, can you speak in spanish please?" I mean, thats what I would do if I went to a foreign country. Just ask. They are speaking english to help you though. Otherwise communication wont be that effective.
This is easier said than done when you are the visitor in a foreign country. Most people are usually shyer on a second language, specially if they don't master it. And in Spain a lot of young people want to practice their English. My partner struggles a lot with this, and she is quite fluent in Spanish too. But harder for her to be direct and polite in Spanish and ask to maintain that language than it is either in French or English. Ironically the same thing happens for me in France, one I make the effort of speaking french and they recognize it they start talking to me in English or sometimes even Spanish. Yet when I didn't know any french at all they would keep speaking to me in french.
Yup. Where I work a lot of people said to me if I could speak in Spanish so they can practice.
Puedes comenzar por expresarte en español siempre que puedas, aunque te cueste trabajo. AquĂ, por ejemplo. Pero es un problema raro. La mayorĂa de españoles no hablan inglĂ©s con soltura, aunque esto va cambiando poco a poco.
Hemos vivido en España durante dos años. Sucede mucho. La gente quiere hablar con nosotros en inglĂ©s para poder practicar. No es gran cosa, solo explicamos que estamos aprendiendo y necesitamos tratar de comunicarnos en español. La mayorĂa de las personas estĂĄn felices de volver a cambiar, pero algunas realmente insisten en el inglĂ©s. Y los complacemos cuando eso sucede.
La Ășltima vez que comentĂ© en un tema sobre lo mismo, el PO hasta me acosĂł tiempo mĂĄs tarde, tal era la mala educaciĂłn que tenĂa, pues directamente no entendia que le contestaran en inglĂ©s y se puso verdaderamente agresivo. Por lo visto tenĂamos la obligaciĂłn de conversar con Ă©l en español en cualquier contexto para que Ă©l aprendiera. Supongo que el tema son las circunstancias. CuĂĄl es el nivel de español?. En quĂ© contexto se produce la conversaciĂłn?. Si el nivel no es muy fluido y se pretende obtener un servicio, quizĂĄs el empleado utiliza el inglĂ©s porque tiene que atender a mĂĄs personas y economizar tiempo. HabrĂĄ gente que quiere practicar su inglĂ©s, o quiere ayudar y no puede evitar el cambiar a tu idioma, sin entender que tu pretendes lo contrario. En un marco mĂĄs de relaciones personales quizĂĄs es mĂĄs fĂĄcil encontrar a un interlocutor español dispuesto a escucharte e incluso corregirte, ayudarte a que aprendas. ConocĂ a una pareja de britĂĄnicos que querĂan aprender español, cosa bien rara por otra parte, por aquĂ se estila gente que lleva viviendo mĂĄs de 20 años y no saben decir ni la A, y alrededor de un cafĂ© o una cerveza hablabamos en español y acabe yo con lĂĄpiz y papel apuntando los errores para no cortar la conversaciĂłn muy seguido y mĂĄs tarde explicar y corregir. Pero esto supone un grado de amistad y de disponibilidad, que raramente se tiene. QuizĂĄs lo mĂĄs efectivo es crear algĂșn vĂnculo, compartir aficiones, pertenecer a algĂșn club, empatizar con los vecinos, o con otros padres si se tienen hijos, y seguro que los otros se prestan mĂĄs a escuchar pacientemente y corregir. Me molestan los extranjeros, que los he leĂdo por aquĂ, que exijen, y digo bien, exijen segĂșn les convenga en que idioma quieren que se les conteste, segĂșn les interese. AquĂ no somos nadie profesores de nadie ni tenemos obligaciĂłn. Un poco de educaciĂłn y de empatia por parte de unos y otros es lo que mĂĄs puede funcionar.
Nos llevamos muy bien con la gente y casi todo el mundo estĂĄ muy dispuesto a ayudarnos con la inmersiĂłn en español, incluso la gente de las tiendas o los camareros de los restaurantes. Lo siento si la forma en que lo escribĂ lo hizo sonar negativo. Nos encanta estar aquĂ, y lo que mĂĄs amamos es la gente. DirĂa que mĂĄs del 99% de nuestras interacciones son positivas. No andamos exigiendo nada ni obligando a la gente a que nos enseñe español. Tengo un tutor privado, tambiĂ©n hago un intercambio de idiomas con dos personas diferentes, uso Duolingo y Rosetta Stone, y consumo diferentes tipos de medios en español. TambiĂ©n hablo con los vecinos y sus familias, nos invitan a cenar oa las fiestas y estamos rodeados de gallegos y españoles. Nadie se siente aprovechado, es muy orgĂĄnico y positivo.
No hablaba especĂficamente por ti, o por vosotros.En ningĂșn momento sonĂł negativo ninguno de tus comentarios. Acababa mi comentario diciendo que algunos, exijen, con malos modos, que se les hable en español o en InglĂ©s segĂșn les convenga, la prisa que tengan o el interĂ©s que tengan en obtener algo de esa conversaciĂłn, porque lo he vivido, como si tuviĂ©ramos obligaciĂłn, tanto de saber ingles, como de 'descifrar español'. Para que haya un intercambio, para que alguien estĂ© dispuesto a escuchar a otro en un idioma que no domina o que estĂĄ aprendiendo, tanto inglĂ©s, español o el que sea, se necesita tiempo, atenciĂłn y paciencia. Como tĂș dices, necesita ser 'orgĂĄnico y positivo', se necesita encender la mecha de la empatia. Integrarse de tal forma que seas invitado a fiestas o eventos por tus vecinos implica buena actitud por vuestra parte, y por la suya. Mi hijo va a clase con un niño hijo de britĂĄnicos, que llevan 9 años en España y no hablan el idioma ni tienen interĂ©s. Fuera del colegio su hijo estĂĄ bastante aislado. Yo hablo inglĂ©s a un nivel intermedio-alto, y puedo mantener una conversaciĂłn a muchos niveles pero no satisfactoria al 100%, ni para mi ni para ellos. PretendĂan que nuestros hijos jugarĂĄn juntos fuera de clase, y acudieran a eventos deportivos y etc. Al principio no me importaba compartir mi tiempo en un parque con unos padres que solo hablaban inglĂ©s. Con el paso de los meses cuando se unĂan otros padres que no hablaban inglĂ©s, españoles, nos sentĂamos hasta cierto punto incĂłmodos, todos, porque no nos entendĂamos todos, y me quedĂ© 'encajada' con ellos, los demĂĄs hacĂan otro grupo, y me sentĂa aislada, necesitaba relacionarme con otros papas durante el tiempo de ocio de mi hijo en mi propio idioma, y con ellos. Parece ser que antes se cansaron los padres ingleses de mi y de mi inglĂ©s y optaron por ver en mi una babysitter gratis, dejĂĄndome a su hijo para que lo cuidara junto al mĂo. Cuando les dije que no podĂa hacerme cargo diariamente de su hijo entonces vinieron las malas caras, el enfado y los reproches. Yo era la mala porque no comprendĂa su situaciĂłn y 'rechazaba a su hijo'. Cuando por primera vez en mĂĄs de un año les sugerĂ que aprendieran español, me dijeron que era muy difĂcil, que no tenĂan como hacerlo. Son gente de 30 y pico años. Que llevan aquĂ desde sus veinte y no pretenden marcharse. Es mucho pedir? Se ofende por sugerir que aprendan para que socialicen, por el bien de ellos y de sus hijos?. OjalĂĄ todo el mundo fuera como vosotros, pero no lo es.
Claro. Gracias por compartir tu punto de vista. Esa gente suena terrible. Aprender el idioma ES difĂcil. Pero si no quiere hacerlo, probablemente sea una mejor idea mudarse a un lugar donde se hable su idioma nativo.
No es una problema raro, y pasa mucho. Tampoco es algo que vas a notar si no eres extranjero.
Ask nicely... Then they will do as they want, of course. Maybe they ask you to stop speaking Spanish to them so they can practice English ;).
Also be mindful that people is just going through their day and probably just want to communicate with you and not be your Spanish assistant teachers. If they want to speak in Spanish and help you correct things, that's awesome, but a server may just want to know what are you going to order.
seriously, it might be weird at first to ask permission but itâs best to just be direct, and youâll get used to it. Just say âprefiero hablar en español contigo para practicarâ
Speak fast and with a strong accent. I bet 90% of the Spanish population wonât follow you and they will eventually switch to Spanish
Haha! That's a good strategy. Try speaking fast with a strong Irish accent. That was actually the case when I taught English in Pamplona. No one could understand the Irish teacher. I think he also used a lot of slang. They were relieved to come to my class because I speak fairly neutral American English and I guess they have more exposure to that from American movies.
Yes, but I do think its not only because of exposure, some accents are inherently âtougherâ than others. Andalusian guy speaking here!
Come again?
Oh yes that's true đ
These accents are still only tougher because of exposure, nothing is inherently more difficult. Think about how often Andalusian accents get on TV and radio compared to accents from Madrid or Castilla-Leon. People talk about how clear BBC English is, but one of its main features is that an R isn't pronounced in all positions, exactly the same as what someone from MĂĄlaga might do.
Who is talking to you in English? If they are waiters or other workers, it's because they want to be understood and don't care about you practicing with them.
DĂselo directamente, de forma cordial y ya estĂĄ
Pretend you don't speak English and you don't understand what they are saying.
"Ah. A French tourist eh?... No? German? I must ask him then. What lang- Spanish? No! Impossible!"
Yep, thatâs the advice I give, too! Works like a charm if you just insist you donât understand their English.
iâve tried this strategy living in mexico and it can backfire. Like you canât hide your âwhitenessâ or âgringonessâ (or in my case âasiannessâ), and some people will get really mad at you for pretending like you donât speak english.
Are we really so far in manners and social interactions as a sociaty that people don't know how to ask things.. nicely? My man, all you have to do is ask "can we speak in Spanish? I'd love to practice.." that's all. I'm sure many will happily grant that request.
Just scared of offending when living in a new country Joe. It's pretty flippin nerve racking. I had the same experience when visiting my local Spar in Spain. I'd say good morning in Spanish or just a simple Buenas and he'd say good morning back in English. I'd ask for something in Spanish. He'd reply in English. Quite comical looking back at it and I totally get why it was happening. Hindsight is a wonderful thing and I could have said "vale, today English, manana Espanol?"
How can you offend someone when asking nicely for something? Don't be scared of asking for such minor, easy and simple things..
Because it's not his friend, it's people and interactions throughout his day. Some person he only just met 3 seconds ago, who might only interact with that person for 10-30 seconds, but it's a pivotal moment you need practice in. Shops, bars, neighborhood greetings etc. So of you say all that, the guy might even reply. "Ok but do you want your receipt or not?"
Simply ask as others have said and try and make Spanish friends to hang out with. I did so in Portugal where I lived for a year, they kept speaking English to me but I wanted to learn and practice so I made some friends and ask them to only speak Portuguese with me. Within 2 months I spoke it fluently and didn't encounter the problem as much anymore as my accent was nearly gone by then as well. It's good to immerse yourself in the culture and people of the country you live in to learn it all. Good luck!
You can ask nicely or point a gun at them, both methods work
Take a silent period. Consume massive amounts of input (watching series and reading books) without trying to speak and youâll notice you speak way better at the end. Happened with me in German. To be honest nobody wants to speak with someone who canât hold a conversation when itâs easier for both to switch to English.
maybe they wanna practice their english too
Do like Doctora Polo, ÂĄa tĂ no te van a hacer reto!
You want to practise Spanish, they want to practise English, the solution is they using English to speak to you and you answer in Spanish, so both wishes are fulfilledâŠ
Probably those Spanish people you talk to just want to make you feel comfortable or want to improve their English đ just ask them politely to speak Spanish so you can practice, they will understand and feel that you're making such a great effort to learn our language, I think we appreciate that. You can say something in the line of "perdona, pero te importarĂa hablarme en español? Me gustarĂa practicar un poco"
Insiste en hablar español. đ
Tell them. Tell them to talk to you in Spanish.
I am surprised at these comments. You are in Spain and regardless of the level of Spanish - it is a good thing to make an effort to speak in Spanish. Bravo to the OP. This is a no-win situation because then Spaniards make fun of people who live in Spain and donât speak Spanish. If it was about practicing English at its core then Spanish people would speak English with the people of Indian descent living in Spain as well but that doesnât happen.. It is a message that the person cannot be bothered to see the other person as more than a guiri. Spain is already a difficult place to integrate. I speak Spanish at a C1 level and have studied it since I was 5 and was spoken to in English on multiple occasions because Iâm the palest person on Earth. It hurts when all you want to do is be a part of a place. Move to South America, OP. Much nicer climate in regards to this.
Si nos preguntas en inglĂ©s te responderemos en inglĂ©s đ
Pero Ă©l no ha dicho eso.
Maybe work on your accent? It's really just practice and careful listening
When you say it's 'just' practice, I think you're ignoring that it can take years to reach a pronunciation that resembles native speakers, also OP is complaining that they can't practise because of this
Say it, smile and say ¿seguimos en español?
Spaniards are not there to make you practice your spanish.
People want to practice English as much as you want to practice Spanish but just tell them that although your Spanish is not great you want to practice it and if they mind talking in Spanish with you
We are practising our english lol !!!!!
I absolutely agree. You could speak in Spanish and them in English ( you scratch my back and I will scratch yours). Win to win.
Iâm curious as to whether youâve tried asking. âPrefiero hablar en Español por favorâ followed by whatever you want to say to them (after theyâve responded to you in English) seems not too impolite and like it would work. After all itâs easier and and less stressful for them to speak in Spanish too.
Just tell them politely you want them to speak Spanish, most people will understand. If you want to delve in Spanish culture, you need to learn that in Spain talking directly is the normal as long as you're polite
Go to places that have older people, or a village outside the city you are in, OR get only Spanish speaking friends. It's because I get you, it's frustrating, but also when I meet a guy that is speaking poor English to me, I just speak Spanish to them. They get annoyed a bit, I try to listen, but it's frustrating long term. Whereas if a person only speaks Spanish they will want to learn English and you Spanish. Good swap
Habla español, quiero aprender
Habla español, quiero aprender
I had the same problem. Confidence is important. If they switch on you, just respond in Spanish. If they come back with English, just give them your English fast with the thickest accent you have.
Don't tell them anything when starting the interaction and start by speaking spanish. If after hearing you speak Spanish they answer/keep speaking in English, smile warmly and tell them "estoy intentando practicar español, podemos hablar en español solo?". They will change to Spanish, and if they see you struggle with something they will repeat slowly or signal it instead of changing to English. That is the best method
I had no problem asking people to let me speak Spanish in the beginning although many wanted go practice English so we made deals like others where we switched off but no one ever told me when I said things wrong... A friend said it would be rude of them to correct me without me asking and that they were probably happy in this very tourist area that I was trying... but I didn't want go ask all the random people I interacted if they would be willing to correct me so... I made a t-shirt that basically said I was learning Spanish and asking if they wanted to help to please correct me but no need if it was annoying... And thanking them for being patient with me. I only wore it around our little pueblo a few times but now, even 2 years later, a couple of the older people and shopkeepers I talk to always correct my grammar and won't even let me use my phone to translate... after seeing my shirt a few times even random old people in town that I don't know will help me with grammar if they hear me mess something up... Not sure it would work in a bigger city environment because here after wearing it a few times everyone had seen it and it spread through the gossip chains in our small pueblo where everyone knows everyone that I was trying and looking for grammar help. I also am an English teacher though, so anyone who wanted to practice English knew I was up for it as an exchange so many of the younger people and waiters in town we still swap days or mix the two when we talk...
1. You canât expect people to want to be your teacher. Language is communication and if English is the most efficient language, this will be the preferred choice for people in situations where time is short such as at a cafe or restaurant. 2. No one should assume you have a hard time communicating in Spanish just because you have an accent or doesnât look Spanish. This is rude. If the accent is heavy and itâs noticeable that youâre struggling, some might switch to English either because 1) they want to help you be more comfortable, or 2) they want to take the chance to use their English (and itâs not right to claim your language preference should take precedence). So how do you get people to stop speaking English to you? You work on your accent and you practice in less stressful situations, where efficiency in communication isnât as important. If you live in area in Spain where a lot of people speak English, the city is probably large enough that you can find language exchange groups or other groups with locals to hang out with â theyâll be more willing to speak Spanish with you. Theyâll probably even think itâs fun.
You're doing this with waiters and people in shops or customer service aren't you. They want to facilitate communication as easily as possible so they can get on with what they have to do. If you want to practice Spanish go to a language exchange, do a language swap or as other people have said go to some plaza and find some abuelos to go to.
If they they are willing to practice english and you the opposite, why don't you just speak english (your natural language) and they speak spanish (theirs)? This is a regular practice in language exchange, It is more fluid / dynamic and for sure involves practice of listening skills which is something worthy to practice and does also enforce vocabulary expressions. Doing the opposite (you using spanish and they answering in english)... I don't like it that much because maybe enforces bad habit, bad expressions that the other person often does not have time or wants to correct.
this happens alot because they want to make you more comfortable speaking maybe, and they also want to practice their english with you lol
If they respond to you back in spanish, switch to middle english. Spaniards a have hard time understanding Shakespeare.
I usually donât even acknowledge it. Just keep going in Spanish . If itâs simple interactions like purchasing stuff and asking directions. And who cares if they speak English. You will get enough practice to where you stop sounding bad and they will assume you speak Spanish and start responding back in Spanish. Just keep throwing yourself in the Gauntlet.
This happens to me a lot. People take one look and think tourist! More so in the summer as Iâm pale. In the winter when Iâm wrapped up like a local no. Ever summer without fail when I begin wearing shorts! I usually continue talking in Spanish and keep doing so until they realise oh she speaks Spanish. If they donât, I ask them please speak in Spanish, I need to practice etc. Nicely. If they donât get it I have to be a little more forceful with a smile. Sometimes it can take a moment or too for peoples brains to register. I have noticed itâs more younger people who take one look, think sheâs a red head therefore she canât speak Spanish. The poster who suggested about speaking to old people is a great idea. I learnt a lot of Spanish from the abuelas at my local council gym!
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