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See also World Englishes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Englishes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Englishes English is my first language but I defini

by altacc 6y ago

See also World Englishes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Englishes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Englishes English is my first language but I definitely speak different versions based on who I'm speaking to. I live in Scandinavia but work for a multi-national where English is the working language. I'm constantly trying to work out people's version of English (not really level) and adapting to match. It's a relief when I talk to someone who's lived in the UK as no translation is necessary, and we can each swear as much as we normally would.

wdb 6y ago
I think everyone is relieved to be able to speak in it own mother tongue. So yes, I can understand you. I have to say as a foreigner in the UK, the typical 'we don't say what we mean'-approach here is tiring and waste of time.
- gumby 6y ago
  > I have to say as a foreigner in the UK, the typical 'we don't say what we mean'-approach here is tiring and waste of time. In that case I suggest you stay out of Japan. I’m sure the English people’s directness must be exhausting for Japanese visitors.
  - wdb 6y ago
    I can't say the English are direct, totally opposite, you need to pull out of them what they really think/mean.
    - gumby 6y ago
      I was making an ironic comparison to indicate that polite Japanese conversation is even less direct than that of polite British conversation.
- altacc 6y ago
  Definitely. One interesting aspect of multi-national interactions is the differences in high & low context cultures. There are some nationalities where I know I won't ever get a straight answer, so have to do a lot of inference. For others the answer is short and clear, to the point that it would be considered rude in the UK. I much prefer that approach.