Bilingual; an adjective to describe those that can speak two languages with ease, comparative to that of a native speaker. There are so many different languages in the world and being bilingual is becoming so common with globalization, immigration and the internet. I grew up speaking two languages, one at home (Tamil) and one at school (English). Because of that, I quickly became proudly bilingual. Now that I have grown up, I keep learning new languages and hope to one day be multilingual. I know I'm not the only one that speaks more than one language and I'm definitely not the only one that understands what it's like being bilingual. So, here are ten things that bilingual people do and know, as told by 'The Office.'
1. Have secret conversations
Anytime you don't want people around you to know what is happening in your conversation, you speak a different language. Being bilingual is especially helpful when you see somebody attractive there is an instant switch in languages so you and your friends can make googly eyes (don't lie to me, everyone has done this). This also applies to eavesdropping on other conversations you can understand (yes, this an invasion of privacy but you just happened to hear what they were talking about. oops?)
2. "How do you say ________ in your language?"
As much as I love teaching others my native language, this can get pretty annoying. Especially when all anyone wants to learn are swear words. And please stop calling me ''exotic'', I'm not a fruit.
3. You constantly switch languages mid-sentence
This is such an issue because most of the time it's subconscious and absolutely an accident. By the time you're done with the story you were telling, everyone around you just looks confused. Not only do you speak two languages in the same sentence, sometimes you are thinking in two languages. Or even worse, speaking one language and thinking in another.
4. Having multiple keyboards on your phone.
This is the worst especially when you are talking to three different people at once, all in different languages. How am I supposed to switch between all these keyboards?! And don't get me started on autocorrect. I know what I'm saying, it might not be English, but it's right. Stop changing 'vannakkam' to 'vandalism' I'm just trying to say hi! I should just stop learning languages, maybe life would be easier.
5. You get to learn about a different culture
A language is an integral part of many cultures and learning a new one means you also get to learn about new cultures. How fun is that?!
6. Speaking an expressive language
People constantly ask you if you're okay or if you're mad. No, I wasn't fighting with anyone, we were just talking about food.
7. Getting yelled at in another language
If you grew up speaking a different language at home, you know that getting yelled at (or yelling at others) in your native tongue means it is serious.
8. Not everything translates correctly
I really want to tell you the joke, but honestly it's not funny in English. Giving advice? Don't directly translate expressions or proverbs, you'll just sound crazy. Subtitles do you no justice. Nope, none of that sounds right. That word just doesn't have the same meaning in English, you can't understand it unless you speak it.
9. Meeting people who speak the same language
It's so cool when you meet more people that speak the same language as you. Even if they aren't as fluent, are not native speakers or are just learning, you are just so proud and excited that they are learning. Being fluent like you or a native speaker just makes it even better. Instant connection with new friends that can understand you? Score.
10. Bragging rights
Let's be honest, being able to speak more than one language is cool, really freaking cool. Embrace it and chat away!
