Why do some English people believe that Welsh people speak English together in a pub and only revert to Welsh?

Question

...when an English person comes in the door? Don't they realise that Welsh is our first language and that we speak it every day and not just as a code to talk about tourists behind their backs?

Do they really think we've got a lookout who tells us.."Englishman at 2 o' clock...start speaking Welsh...now!"??

Where did they get this absurd idea from?

Answer 1

I dont assume it, i know it happens. It is also very embarassing for them when they realise that my english accent hides the ability to speak welsh. Gwynedd is the worst, with south wales being much better.

Answer 2

Yes, I remember my extreme irritation with an Englishman with whom we were on holiday in Cynwyd and who came into a pub with us. The locals were chatting about this and that and he suddenly developed this paranoid conviction that they were talking about us. The basis for this conviction was that the word "glasses" was mentioned and we were all wearing specs. In vain did I point out that glasses were part of the natural equipment of a pub and that it was perfectly normal that they should crop up in conversation. He remained broodingly convinced that we were being picked on.

Answer 3

Everybody is guilty of this.

Its how regulars in a Pub behave all over the World. Simple.

Though, the English are particularly arrogant I must admit.

Particularly the Middle Class Wannabes, they have a habit of thinking they are strolling into a Hobbit Den, or a place frequented by simple Ewoks, that will surround them jabbering and offering Sea Shells and trinkets.

Ignore them, most English people are not like this. Just some bitter Tw*ts that wish they were up to scratch with the likes of myself for example.

Answer 4

Its not a stupid notion.  It happens.  I walked in to a pub in Wales and everyone was chatting away in (their version) of English.  I placed my order at the bar and as soon as my accent was heard, the majority of conversation reverted to Welsh.  Now you could assume that this was coincidence but the problem for them was that i also speak Welsh and understood what they were saying.  The cowardly tossers couldn't insult me to my face so they thought they'd be "clever".  I explained this to them "In Welsh".  They didn't like that much.....gits.

Answer 5

This is a commonly held fallacy which always annoys me, too. After working in North Wales for several years and spending a lot of time there I understand how ridiculous a belief it is! Sadly, I guess there will always be people who will distort the truth in an attempt to justify their particular prejudice!

Answer 6

coz they are paranoid

Answer 7

lol...i agree i think someone is winding u up, English people aren't that stupid heheh

Answer 8

It does happen,friend Rolyn,as it happened to me!

They were friends of relatives,and as soon as they knew I was from Caerdydd they started speaking Cymraeg.As you know,I have no problem with Cymraeg(it ought to be compulsory in schools,up to the age of 16,for everyone.),but this was just sheer ignorance!

Mind you,living in Cardiff,with all the english living here,i'd probably switch to Cymraeg as well!

Before anyone asks,I used to siarad Cymraeg when I was younger,but my friends and parents didn't so I got out of the habit.Today,severe depression stops me from re-learning,as I can't concentrate.

Iechyd da.

  

Answer 9

I think the idea came from the Welsh Parliament, as they always speak English when they are asking England for money.

Answer 10

It's probably true like in Gary Larson's The Far Side Gallery how the cows stand on their hind legs and smoke and such until the see a human - then the revert to be being cows as we know them.........

Answer 11

Haha - sounds like someone's succeeded in winding you up....

Answer 12

I have a classic example!

I went on a school trip to a certain comp school in N wales.

As the school I attended was a private school in south wales, we had had learnt welsh ( including slang words)

They liked to talk about us in Welsh, obviously we knew some of  what they were saying.

It was just rude.