Language problem with my loved ones. Please help me

@SkyeHi (84)
India
June 17, 2011 12:54pm CST
I got this language problem with my college buddies. There's just three of us and we're real close. I was the one who didn't speak their mother tongue. At the beginning i didn't really mind them talking their lang in front of me. I learned some of their lang too. But lately, it's annoying me and i feel kinda left out a lot of time. I tried voicing my problem to one of them and she said that she knows it too and added it'll be good for me to learn an extra language! I mean i need them as my friends and not some tutors. But they're really good people at heart. Just sometimes they forget that i'm around. And i can't ever walk away from them now after being so close with them. It'll break me. But this is slowly hurting me. What do i do?
2 people like this
7 responses
• United States
17 Jun 11
Have a serious converation with the both of them, not just one but make sure the both of them are there. Express your feelings and concerns, be honest, stay calm and let them know exactly how you feel. If they are you true friends, then they will respect your wishes and understand the fact that you feel left out, when you are around them. I am pretty sure that they will understand and try to amend your wishes.
1 person likes this
@SkyeHi (84)
• India
17 Jun 11
But i feel bad about doing that. I'm the local language girl here. They both are from another place. And I'm facing this with them just for an hour or so when we meet but they're facing this situation round the clock with the majority locals and they don't complain. I mean, i feel like i'm asking them to give up their right to speak their mother tongue when they feel like it.
1 person likes this
• United States
17 Jun 11
The majority of the locals are considered good friends the way you three are, I mean I understand it's their native tongue and sometimes I find my self speaking spanish around other people that don't understand what I am saying and I always try to correct myself, because in a way it is sometimes rude. But if they really are your friends then they won't get upset, they would actually understand that you are just trying to be involved in their conversation especially when they are around.
1 person likes this
@SkyeHi (84)
• India
18 Jun 11
But won't it be kinda selfish of me to ask them to speak a common language when they themselves hardly get time to speak their native tongue? I mean, people are most comfortable when they speak their mother tongue compared to other languages. I don't find it a problem until they forget me and speak it all the time...Of course i believe that they don't know that it makes me feel ignored. Else they'll stop it for sure.
@thatgirl13 (7294)
• South Korea
18 Jun 11
Hey there, I know how you feel. I have couple of Japanese friends and when they do that I feel so left out. I mean they know how to speak Korean/English so I'd be glad if they spoke in a language we all can understand. But yeah I have never told them to not do that, I think it's kinda rude to point them out for speaking their native language. Anyway they are good people and I love them.
• South Korea
18 Jun 11
I don't know actually but whatever it may be, I wouldn't wanna hurt their feelings. When I put myself in their shoes though, I think I would have done the same too coz maybe it's more comfortable? But one thing is for sure, I have learned a couple of Japanese words and slangs thanks to them.
@SkyeHi (84)
• India
18 Jun 11
We both are walking in exactly the same shoe. That's exactly the way i feel about this. But sometimes it hurts. And I'm the kind of person who don't give a damn about people i don't care. But when it comes to people i love, it can break me. Are we selfish if we expect them to speak a common language whenever we're all together? Cause that's what i say to myself when they do it.
@EdnaReyes (2622)
• Philippines
18 Jun 11
I don't think your friends are right when she told you , you need to lean another language just to cope up with them. I think it is unethical to talk when there's someone who can't understand any world you are talking about. They should be discreet enough and tactful to think that you can't speak their language. They may be kind-hear ted but really inconsiderate.When my co-workers speak in their mother's tongue I always remind them hey, someone here does not speak your language, then they will ask for apologies and speak in a common language.
@SkyeHi (84)
• India
23 Jun 11
I know, i feel the same way. Only that i just couldn't bring myself up to say what you would in such a situation. Kinda difficult, you know. But i will. Or else matters will just get worse.
@elida279 (165)
• Bulgaria
18 Jun 11
I'm in exactly the same position like you and it's really frustrating sometimes. Very often I feel as like I'm left aside because I don't know the language which is not that nice. I think that if in a group there are people from different nationalities they should speak language that everybody understands. It's not polite to ignore people from the group just because they don't understand. And if your friends really appreciate you why are they doing this? It's very easy to say "learn the language". I quitted a lot of friendship relations because of this. At the end of the day you are with these people to have fun but if you're suffering every time they start to talk their language what fun is this? I'm better off!!! If they like to be with me then let's talk language that all of us know. Am I right?
@SkyeHi (84)
• India
23 Jun 11
Hey elida, it's not often you get to meet good people in your life. Am i right? Even if they speak a different mother tongue, who knows?, they may get to be your close friends... Just like mine, but of course with a few problems. It's better we talk and get it out before deciding on their character. Let's not lose our those great buddies on petty issues that can be solved once we communicate about it. What do you say?
• Pakistan
18 Jun 11
Yes yu should talk to them and tell them what you feel. If they are as good a friend as you think they are.. they will definitely understand your problem and will help you get along.
@SkyeHi (84)
• India
23 Jun 11
Yeah, they are my good friends and i will talk to them about it once i get the chance. :-)
• United States
19 Jun 11
Tell them how you're feeling. One of my best friends and another friend who was an exchange student both spoke Spanish and English. Of course, around each other, they would rattle off Spanish perfectly and go back and forth all the time. I thought it was interesting to listen to because I'm trying to learn Spanish, but several of my friends, especially the ones taking German and French, got extremely annoyed by it. They sat both of them and said, "We don't care if no one else is trying to talk to you, but if someone else is around and wants to be part of the conversation, speak English, please? Otherwise we just feel left out." It worked! If they're your friends, they'll listen to you. It might also be fun for them to try to teach you their language, even if it wouldn't be all that serious.
@SkyeHi (84)
• India
23 Jun 11
It felt kinda felt good reading your response. I'd do that sometime soon. Thanks.
@nezavisima (7408)
• Bulgaria
17 Jun 11
o know how a friend! When your friends talk you if you ignored. indeed it can not. Apparently they both have a common topic of conversation about it. But if they are your true friends will show it to you differently because your feelings never diverge. That you feel so bad but you try and talk to them more and will learn the language. nice day!
@SkyeHi (84)
• India
18 Jun 11
I've taken a step at learning their language so to make us all comfortable while we are together. That's the least i can do. I can't bring myself to tell them. I told one already and her response already made me feel uncomfortable. The problem is, if i hadn't gotten so close to them, i'd've just walked away from them but i can't do it now. Cause i love them both too much.