Samurai Blues: The Ediquette of Language

An excerpt from the novel Samurai Blues. 

…I came across this article and thought it was interesting, it helped me out in some tough situations; like is it alright to use British slang words, Yes, is it alright to slip into a British accent, No.

The Etiquette of Language

By Ryan Barnes

Now, more than ever, the world has become connected in ways one could have never thought possible even a decade ago. The need for global communication is ever-increasing.  With this surge in multilingualism, however, as with all new things, comes a need for some guide lines, etiquette, to help make the exchange of communication smooth. It`s no use, after all, bothering to learn another language if no one wants to talk to you. So here are some things to consider while traveling abroad or even in your own back yard when it comes to foreign communications.

Regarding encounters with people who may speak another language:

Always begin any encounter with strangers assuming that they speak the language of the country you are presently in, fluently. Never, therefore, approach anyone assuming that they speak any other language based on their appearance. Many and severe are the insults that come from not adhering to this assumption. If, upon the realization that they do not speak the language of the country you are in, you may quickly make assumptions and/or adjustments as needed, but it is no less condescending to assume that, in America, your gardener doesn`t speak English than it is for a French waiter to assume the overweight couple with fanny bags around their gold jumpsuits can`t speak French. A Japanese taxi driver should no more assume that a European looking passenger speaks English than they speak German. If they are fluent in the language it is greatly insulting to assume otherwise, however, if they are not, little harm is done.

Regarding the use of “Loan Words” in another language.

In every language, foreign words, or loan words are commonly used, and in every language, the majority of those words are pronounced incorrectly according to their mother tongue  Always pronounce these loan words as they are pronounced in the language in which you are speaking, however incorrect it may be. In English, the country Mexico is pronounced MeXico, but in it`s mother tongue  Spanish, it is pronounced MeHico. Therefore, if you`re speaking English, go ahead and pronounce it MeXico. If you`re speaking Spanish, pronounce it MeHico, but don`t, in an attempt to sound international, while speaking English, pronounce the word MeHico. You will not only isolate your listeners, you will sound like an ass, or as they say in Britain, an arse. The only exception to this rule are some proper nouns. If you are speaking directly to someone, it is acceptable to pronounce their name as their mother tongue dictates but only when speaking directly to them. Therefore, if you are talking directly to someone named Pedro, it is acceptable to roll your `R`, even if you are otherwise speaking English, however, if you are talking about Pedro, otherwise in English, one should not roll the `R`. Hence, unless you are speaking directly to the country Mexico, otherwise in English, don`t pronounce it MeHico.

Regarding which language to converse in if both parties have knowledge of the others language:

When engaging in conversation with someone who also speaks your language it is important to subtlety yet quickly asses the other person`s language ability in respect to your own language ability to see whose is stronger and proceed in the stronger persons language. However strong one`s desire to practice a foreign language may be, if you find yourself on the weaker end of this equation, it is important to concede to your native language if the other person`s abilities are stronger than your own. This generally only applies during your first encounter. As you become more familiar with the person, it is perfectly acceptable to impose your language ambitions upon them just like you can impose any other agenda you may have on the person, however, if this is done with too much haste, the other person will feel like your teacher and not continue with the language exchanges or relationship.

With respect to inquiries on another person`s language:

If someone asks you how to say a word or phrase in your language it is only polite to give them a short, accurate response in the language in question. It is not only impolite but quite rude to respond in the questioner`s own language. In other words, if someone asks, “How do you say, `Sneeze` in Japanese?” The only appropriate response is, “Kushami”.  Whether the question itself was asked in English or Japanese is irrelevant, even if the word `Sneeze` is substituted with an `Atchoo` gesture, the response should always be the same. This may seem painfully obvious, but fierce and often are the wars and battles that have been fought over this very faux pas. Like when The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland were finally going to sit down to peace talks and the Republic representatives sat down and started speaking in the traditional Gallic language and the Northern representatives just got up and left. No peace was made.

In respect to using foreign greetings:

Many people will opt to substitute their own language`s greetings for an other language`s greetings, as they are commonly known and accepted. Hello, Goodbye, See you tomorrow, etc… can be said in almost any European language and easily recognized and understood. There is no expectation to respond in the same language and there is little chance of causing offense to anyone. If you are going to use a foreign phrase, as a greeting, it is best to learn the whole phrase as opposed to just one word of the phrase. For example, substituting, Hola, Adios or Gracias for Hello, Goodbye or Thanks is perfectly acceptable, however if you want to say, See you tomorrow, to say, See you manana is a bit uncomfortable for everyone involved, you want to just go ahead and learn the whole Hasta Manana, else isolating further potential language exchanges from materializing.

That`s all for now, happy chatting.

 

Also from Mike Black, the world wide selling novel Boug Boys. Available on amazon. Follow on Twitter @mikeblackBB or LIKE on Facebook at mikeblack2left.