Speaking to people who dont understand English properly in an English country- frustrating?

Question

h**l yeah! There's this guy from another country that has been living here for quite a number of years, and has received education in English back in his country (as a secondary subject). However, when I converse with him, he asks me the meaning of every 5th word I mention, and it's frustrating to explain everything. If someone asks you what does this or that mean, what do you reply???

And yes...i have to get along with him..its part of this teamwork thing.

Answer 1

I would answer the question - after all, his English is not going to get better if no one lets him know the meaning of words he doesn't understand right?

My wife and I have similar conversations often. I think we forget too easily that English is more or less backwards to every other civilised language on the planet - and as such is incredibly difficult to learn as a second language. I know if I was in another country, I would hope the people who had trouble understanding me would be patient enough with me so I could get a handle on communicating effectively.

Good question by the way - and good luck with the teamwork!

Answer 2

I'm assuming you don't speak the language of the person you're referring to.

Just try to keep your vocabulary simple and your sentences short, basic and concise if they don't understand you. Also use a lot of gestures to get your point across. I know it can be very frustrating but that's the best you can do.

Answer 3

I would just keep answering his questions.  Maybe he'll pick it up eventually.  

Some people just have a difficult time learning new languages.  And besides, English is one of the hardest languages in the world to learn.

Answer 4

Use short sentences with simple words.  Slang is hard to understand in any language.  If he doesn't understand a word, use another with a similar meaning.  Yes it can be frustrating.

Answer 5

At least he is trying. My problem is with the people that don't try.  

Answer 6

help it out, you are helping him learn more words and understand more english. and its beeter that he is actually trying to learn, rather then not at all

Answer 7

Do what I do -- scream at him...

Answer 8

I work with a guy from Guatemala who is always asking me the meanings of words and phrases.  He gets a kick out of the strange quirks of the English language (it's one of the most difficult languages to learn) and I get a kick out of helping him.  Because he tries so hard, he speaks English better than many native speakers I know.

What bothers me is people who come here from other countries and make no effort, expecting Americans to understand what they're trying to say.  

And what bugs me most of all are Americans who can't be bothered to learn their own native language, speaking gibberish and writing like what they are: semi-literate, lazy morons.

By the way, what English country are you from?  

Answer 9

I think you should look at it as an opportunity to develop more patience and to help another human being.  He is trying to learn.  We are all trying to learn something, it's just not always something as obvious as a language.  I think it's admirable that he has the courage to ask questions so that he can improve, especially since he's probably fully aware that there is a risk that people will be angry and rude to him if he asks questions.  That shows that he's really sincere about trying to improve.  If someone asks me what I word means, I simply tell them what the word means.

By the way, if the English country you are referring to happens to be the United States, you should know that the United States actually does not have an official language.  

Answer 10

By telling him the meanings of certain words/expressions you are helping him become more proficient in English.  English is a very difficult language to learn, so it's worth the effort to be patient with those who need help.  It's not only a matter of speaking English words, but a matter of being able to think in English.  This can be a challenge for people who do not speak English very well.

Answer 11

Some people can learn a language very fast and other struggle with it many years.  I would try to use words that are more common and also enunciate your words well and speak a little slower so he can think about what you are saying and hear them properly.

Answer 12

Without specifics this is a difficult one to answer.  Maybe the person really is annoying... or maybe he's really struggling to learn and is having a hard time of it...  or maybe the terms you're using are out of range of knowledge and given a little help he will learn.  It sounds as though he's making an effort (otherwise he'd just sit there with a bovine stare, pretending to understand when he doesn't).  I'd ask you to put yourself in his shoes.  Land in a foreign country where you have only the most rudimentary understanding of local language and customs, perhaps you don't even eat the same food that they do.  People speak fast and expect you to understand immediately.  You go home frustrated and worried that you're doing a poor job or you'll get fired.  Wouldn't it be great if someone helped you out?

English was not my first language. When I had learned English, I sometimes had to accompany my grandparents when they went out, and translate for them.  My grandfather was an incredibly intelligent man with a university education, and ship's captain who taught in the merchant marine school in The Old Country (and spoke several different languages, but spoke English only haltingly), but his first job upon landing in North America was in a car wash.  He was grateful to the people who helped him learn English.  ;o)