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Politics and Activism

Struggles Every Person Who Speaks Multiple Languages Understands

Speaking several languages only has perks, right?

Sarah Laurent
Dec 19, 2016
Norman, Oklahoma
47
Struggles Every Person Who Speaks Multiple Languages Understands
roundtheworldwego

No matter which or how many languages you speak, you probably did all of these at least once...

1. When you answer a question in the wrong language.

Most of the time, you aren't even aware of it, and you only figure it out because the person talking to you just stares at you. Then you repeat what you just said in the right language, but with a tiny bit of aggressiveness, because what you said was crystal clear.

2. When people discover you speak another language, and they immediately want you to tell them something or translate.

And then they say they didn't understand a word you just said.... Then why did you ask me?! (My tip, if that bothers you, is to just say every curse word you know. It’s strangely liberating.)

3. When people see you reading a book in a foreign language and ask you if you understand it and then translate what you’re reading.

Just In case you were simply staring at words you didn’t understand just to show off. It’s not that annoying, but I don’t like when people bother me when I’m reading.

4. When people ask you to translate their favorite song lyrics.

(This one is more for the people from non-English speaking countries.) People sometimes tell you they love a song, and they want to know what it means. The song is about sex... or drugs... or both when the music video is a big party with half naked girls... What did they expect? Philosophical lyrics about the meaning of life? Or alternatively, it’s corny lyrics about the love of your life.

5. When you mix up the languages.

How many times have I said “and” or “or” in Spanish class? Or in everyday life? (Too many.)

6. When you forget a word in the language you’re speaking.

So you just replace it with the translation and say it with an accent, hoping it won’t be noticeable… (It is.)

7. Having a fantastic pun/joke… in the other language.

And then laughing by yourself because you’re hilarious as hell.

But despite all of this, you still love to speak another language because it helped you discover the world and met some truly amazing people.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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