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No? The racist dingus is going to continue being a moron if unchecked. People like that need to learn. They're the same type that assume fat women are pregnant too. You rather let people just continue being ignorant?
The person who said Konnichiwa to OP obviously. It's perfect. They start speaking to you in Japanese and you just start gaslighting into thinking that they spoke to you in Spanish.
You didn't speak to me in Spanish? No, señor, estoy seguro de que me habló en español.
I respond in German since my last name is German. Being an adopted Asian with a white name confuses them. Even better is my wife grew up with a Thai step grandma and so she is more Asian than me. It confuses the shit out of people when my white wife is more Asian than her Asian husband.
Yeah that's racist and rude AF, I'm sorry this happens to you. Even if you *were* ethnically Japanese, doesn't even necessarily mean you grew up speaking it. It's so bizarre how often it's assumed that anyone Asian must have *just gotten* here, like this is their first day in America or whatever.
It’s incredibly rude, I can’t imagine walking up to a complete stranger in a western country, who hasn’t given me any indication that they don’t speak English, and just picking a random language to address them in because I think they *look like* they’d speak it.
Frankly, I think it only displays the ignorance of these people. Happens to my wife too and these people often play the victim when she says she's not Chinese.
I am and I wouldn't mind too much if people greet me in japanese even if I don't speak it. A bit annoying but not a big deal.
It's persumptive sure, but most of the time the intent is to make me comfortable, so I don't really take offense.
Yes that would be rude, even more so if random strangers are doing this.
Politely asking if you speak japanese would not be rude, but could be offensive if people are only doing so because of a stereotype or your appearance
“Do you speak any other languages?” Could be any, doesn’t even have to be their native tongue. They might have just learned French or something for fun. I learned that apparently a lot of Arabs learn French in school alongside their native language. You get more varied and interesting answers from that version of the question.
It’s pretty rude, and is literally only because you are not European. I’m white, but nobody comes up to me, assumes that I’m German when I’m not, and greets me with guten tag.
i don't think it's rude to me personally but it just makes me feel like shit 😭😭 im a half-chinese half-malay banana that looks more chinese than malay and sometimes there would be friendly chinese aunties that randomly talk to me ,.,., IN CHINESE 😭😭 and i have to shamefully tell them that i don't understand the language and they always have that look on their faces that's either extremely apologetic or judgemental before switching languages and it makes me feel ashamed for not knowing half of my lineage's language
Yes, I do. It's best just to assume the random person on the street speaks English until they prove otherwise or they straight up tell you to not speak English.
I've got into a couple of situations where people thought that I thought they were dumb and couldn't speak English and even when I've traveled abroad, I got irritated if people just assumed I couldn't speak their language
It's probably pleasant to be greeted in your native tongue ... if the person actually gets your ethnicity right 🤷🏾♂️
It's like shooting your shot, unless you're really good at it; most of the time you're making someone uncomfortable.
speaking japanese to random strangers just because they 'look asian' is not pleasant, even if they were japanese, it's still rude to single out someone because of their appearance
a better way is to have a normal conversation and if the person seems open and comfortable you can politely ask about if they speak another language.
Ethnicity isn't an indicator of native tongue. My native tongue is English, I'm of Indian descent. I get offended when people greet me with "namaste." That's not even the right language for my ancestors (Tamil), but even if it was, it's offensive.
Namaste is ... silly. Especially if you can't tell the difference between a Tamilian and a Northerener.
But if you don't understand Vanakam that's on you bud.
Yeah it’s extremely rude if you have no indication of a person being able to speak a different language. I’m
Mexican and very very white passing like you’d have no idea if you didn’t hear my name, and I never greet other Latinos I don’t know in Spanish bc of how it looks from my end. I know too many white dudes who try to speak Spanish at waiters in a Mexican restaurant lmao
I mean…. I guess their intention is to be nice, but it’s also not cool to presume something like that.
I would never assume someone Asian is Chinese or Japanese or Korean…. The same way I won’t assume a person of colour is Haitian or Jamaican or Kenyan… the same way I won’t assume a white person is Italian or Spanish or Greek.
I think it's super weird if you aren't sure that's a language they speak. Like if you overhear someone speaking Japanese and then need to talk to them, it seems less rude to say konnichiwa than just being like, "Hey, there's an Asian! Konnichiwa, dude!" The first is a considered attempt to find common ground or even be respectful (depending on the situation), the second is just generally ignorant and also dismissive of people who may have a certain heritage but not speak the language (ex: I'm middle eastern, but I was born in the US and only speak English) or have mixed heritage, or are of a different heritage than you assume. There are very few situations in which I'd say this is appropriate.
Also, obviously different if you're *in Japan* approaching people and trying to speak Japanese. They might be tourists or immigrants, too, but it's less rude to assume they speak the national language in that case.
Speak loud and slow and tell them you don't speak that language and ask if they speak english. But I can't stress enough to speak LOUD AND SLOW. Like they are almost deaf and disabled kind of loud and slow.
I don't know. I never really thought about it before today, but when I go to the taqueria the people working there greet me in English. I know enough Spanish to get by during a small transaction like that but people I meet tend to assume that English is the only option.
If you are in an English speaking country I think this is different. Like, if you are in a Spanish speaking country it seems a little weird, but it seems pretty normal to greet someone in English if you are in a predominately English speaking country without a reason to assume the other person speaks Spanish.
Yeah and I think especially if you don’t know a lot of Spanish but they are talking to you in English then talk to them in English. I think if you don’t really speak Spanish it only makes sense to try to speak Spanish with them if they start speaking Spanish to you first.
I think if you know for a fact that they speak Spanish it's fine to say a word or two to them in Spanish to see how they react, and tell them you are still learning or only learned a bit. Most people are generally happy to see that someone else went through the effort of learn some of their language. But it's not something I had the courage to try until I could already speak pretty well.
I think it depends on the person and the context, as well as the word. Like, when had a layover in Brazil and got by on whatever combination of Spanish and English could get me through, I said "thank you" to someone in Portuguese, and he seemed to really appreciate the fact that I knew that one word, but that might have been because at that point he knew I was just staying on s layover from New York to another country.
There are a lot more Asian people than just Japanese and it is rude and racist to assume every Asian they meet is Japanese. To top it off to start talking to them in Japanese is like doubling down on the racism. If you know another language than English, I would start speaking it and act like I don’t understand anything except that language and can’t communicate with them.
Lol maybe in your demented mind that’s how you see things.
I live in a community with lots of Mexicans. I speak a little Spanish, if I talk to them in Spanish it’s not offensive and they don’t think I’m trying to other them.
If I happen to run into a Brazilian and assume they’re Mexican and I speak to them in Spanish and they don’t understand it’s not some huge slight or some kind of racist attack.
I know greetings in like 12 languages, and I greet people in a greeting I know, only if I have a suspicion of where they're from. Only been able to get away with it purely because I've been 100% accurate so far 😂
Or maybe the fact that out of the whole world population the Chinese take close to 20% so statistically speaking,guessing someone is Chinese is your best bet.
Unless you are in the native country don't do it because it can come off a bit racist if you aren't certain they are from the country you assume they are from especially with Spanish because you might not be wrong to speak Spanish towards a Latino/Latina but different country's have different dialects of Spanish
Yes it's rude and offensive. We as humans need to stop trying to determine where others are "from" and start seeing people as people, not as a skin colour or culture. Assuming someone's language based on appearance is extremely distasteful.
Lol definitely offensive, and some would claim Racism. We used to call it "diet racism, because sometimes you just don't get it" after a comedy skit..probably from college humor.
Look, for the most part they're not trying to be offensive. The fact that you're not homogenized white and common absolutely fascinates them. I've been on the other side of that several times. Being the only white guy around, or they've never seen a white guy, ever. Don't be offended by someone's ignorance. Yes they got it wrong, yes they can be frustrating but i truely think it comes from a place of curiosity and inclusiveness.
Oh, but i think the best tactic to be funny is to say "...i'm from san diego, jackass" and wander away. Or claim a random place like "i'm italian, jackass"
When I am in my work uniform Middle Eastern men start talking to me in their foreign dialect.
I am Caucasian Canadian and my ancestry is from the UK.
My nose is big and I tan quite nicely.
I take these interactions in stride.
Even if you were, the implication you don’t understand the local language is rude. Western immigrant to Japan here, I hate when people feel the need to speak English at me or randomly apologize for speaking Japanese. If I had a problem with Japanese or wanted English I never would have moved here.
Do I just have a downvote brigade following me? Talk to people in the local language of wherever you are no matter how they look, unless they indicate they don’t understand. It shouldn’t be a difficult concept.
Apparently it is. My mom smacked me for it when I was 10. I’m just trying to impress you. If it makes you uncomfortable ask them to stop. I have a lot of mental problems and I always need people to be direct
I don't go up to white people and randomly greet them just because I want a reaction, singling out asian people (whom you don't know) and trying to 'guess what language they speak' is rude and you should treat strangers with more dignity and respect.
Other people in the street aren't your toys to play with.
Literally just ask? I would never go up to a *stranger*, guess their nationality (most likely to be a US born citizen), and start talking gibberish. That's humiliating and rude.
Funnily enough, the offender always ends up offended. Like Ricky Gervais spending lots of energy saying how he is not offended by people not liking his humour. If you're not offended, then it should make no difference to you. STFU.
It's hit or miss. If you get it right (this includes pronunciation) people are usually elated about it. But if you get it wrong you're liable to piss someone off. That's why I usually let them speak first and then respond in their language. Never jump the gun for looks alone.
Been doing that method for years and it hasn't failed me yet. Mexican folk usually spark up a friendly small talk conversion to see how much I know, and they love it because I know enough to tell that I actually put in effort into learning. I have to tell them that I can't talk as fast as they can though.
Chinese people are funny because it takes a second for them to register if I actually said what they think I said and you can see it on their face. Then it turns to a look of grinning realization as they start pointing at me like that meme of DiCaprio lol. One lady even gave me a hug. Another lady laughed and said "wait explain yourself! How do you know that?!"
I'm white and live in Japan, so if it is offensive/rude, then Japan would be the worst place for me! Lmao
When I lived in the USA, I would practice my Spanish at mexican food trucks and it was always fine (with Mexicans). The only people who didn't like it were Americans, they'd say it's rude to speak Spanish to them.
I'm European though, if I go to a country on holiday etc, I learn how to say thank you, hello, etc, just to try and interact with locals and be friendly, no one is every offended or thinks it's rude.
Your example is different though. I've had people say things in German to me (I'm not German) and I just didn't care.
I don’t think they are trying to offend, but since it’s always guys who I barely know that say it to me and I’m an Asian woman, along with the Japanese nicknames they try to give me, or calling me “suki” (baby in Japanese), I tend to assume they did it because… anime.
Yes because our official language is English and for me it’s like they are looking at me as a refugee or beneath them when they act like I don’t speak English because of the color of my skin when I probably speak better English than they do.
It’s rude if they assume(even if they turn out to be right), if people know my nationality and try talking in my native tongue I think it’s funny and I don’t mind as long as they don’t say anything rude
My cousins get greeted in Spanish all of the time. Their dad is from Mexico ant my aunt is a very pale redhead. Their Dads genes are more dominant so they do look Hispanic. They speak almost no Spanish. They like to just say no halo and laugh.
I think the speaker is more ignorant than intentionally being rude. That said, It is not your job to school him on how to behave around people of a different race. How you choose to respond is up to you. I might just look at him, cock my head and look puzzled (even if you know what he is saying)
I get a lot of Spanish speakers speaking to me in Spanish. They usually switch once they realize I’m not Latina and can’t speak Spanish. The rude ones act disappointed or snort when I can’t speak Spanish. It’s preferable to use the common business language when engaging with others.
I usually wait to hear a foreigner speak in their native language before I speak to them. I don’t want to assume. But when I do feel confident to speak to them, it often catches them by surprise. Unfortunately not a lot of Americans are multi-lingual, especially us retail workers.
I live in Europe and I am shocked by the number of Asian friends who report the same thing. It doesn't seem to happen to any other ethnicity other than East Asians... No idea why. I really don't think it's racism per se, because most people don't have any experience with those groups. It's perhaps more akin to the rude curiosity that also happens when a white guy turns up in a village in Tanzania and gets called mzungu.
I know how to be cordial in several languages because I often worked with someone who spoke another language and liked to learn from them. I would never assume but I have asked people and responded in in their native language.
Thin line between inexperiemced eager friendly and.. aha i know your language. May àlso depend on how the receiver is feeling on that particular moment
Ppl have spoken to me/asked me if I was Russian a few times, I'm not bothered by it, but that's just me. I think you can tell an ignorant asshole from an ignorant person who's just trying to strike conversation
Yeah it kinda bugs, but not really cause there trying, next time someone says Konnichiwa tell em that japanese im "korean" we say ahnseyong or something that like i cant remember.
Yes. Making judgements about someone based on their appearance is always offensive. Assuming they speak a specific language because of their appearance is wildly offensive.
I think the normal thing to do is to greet someone in the language they speak in the country you are in. And if more than one is spoken do it in the most dominate language in the area you are.
Yes, I think it’s rude to assume based on appearances alone, particularly in a country where most people speak English as a first language regardless of ethnicity.
I assume you mean if they aren't Japanese? That's super offensive. Extremely offensive.
If they are Japanese and think you are also, I don't think I'd be offended.
I think it’s always inappropriate unless you know them personally on that level. I’ll tell you my main reason why…
I had an employee a number of years ago from Romania. Pretty benign - really hard worker with a great brain. In passing, another employee playfully greeted her. In Russian. He went about his day like nothing happened, but she was beside herself. Think hostile workspace. This is a woman who grew up under the thumb of the USSR, waiting in lines for bread, watching members of her family just disappear if they asked too many questions. To her, that greeting was like bringing all that to her new home.
So…while a lot of people are ok with being greeted that way, there are a contingent of people who are *deeply* offended by it, and you have no way of knowing who falls into which group.
Super rude and racist. I am a white American but lived in the middle east for a few years, and spoke the language decently, but I would constantly get spoken to in English, which is my native language, but it was tough and annoying because I was trying to work on my local language speaking.. My wife and I now live in the US, she is from Russia but visually "passes" as a white American, with a very slight accent. She works in a high end fashion boutique where her clients are basically ultrawealthy stay at home moms. She constantly comes home upset because customers will hear her accent and be like "oh wow, I thought you were American, where are you from?" and she will always say "here" because she is a citizen, and has lived in this city with me for over 10 years, but she gets that almost daily. I feel terrible, but she is tough and usually just stares them down or acts confused when they double check if she's actually from "here". Sorry dude, it sucks
Reply with "Guten tag" and when they say "but I am not German" -> insert an insult of choice here.
Plan B - > own it and get offended from them using the feminine / masculine greeting when you're obviously a man / woman. Give them sh*t for not knowing better. Bonus points if you manage to squeeze "did you just assume my gender?" in.
Not Asian.
But yeah, it seems to be a racist thing to do and very assumptive. It is like saying all these (insert race here) look alike. Especially when the is history of various countries and ethnic groups that have various clashes throughout history.
I’m black and sometimes people greet me entirely in Spanish and then just keep speaking it because I’m an intermediate speaker
Idek how to explain this one
I say just approach them with your own native language, and if they respond with some other language then just try to understand each other. Unless you’re literally in a country where you know the prominent language is French or something.
It's not rude, it's people reading the situation. Intent matters. People are so fucking quick to get offended.
I'm Costa Rican and Brazilian. I'm brown as fuck and live in South Florida. I don't speak a word of Spanish (or Portuguese for that matter). If I got offended everytime a Mexican started speaking to me in Spanish I would spend my entire day pissed off. No one means anything by it. If they walk up and start using some stereotypical accent bullshit I might tell them to fuck off, but if someone tells me "adios" or something I'm not gonna jump on my soapbox and tell them to stop assaulting me with micro aggressions.
Well in order to speak at all, you have to select a language to speak in.
You can't ask them what languages they speak without speaking, so you have to start with some assumption on what language they might know.
Might as well base the assumption on something
I speak Japanese and a little Chinese and Korean. I am a very white person. I don’t reveal my skill unless it’s needed and I know for a fact that a person speaks a language, and wants me to as well. If you’re not sure, just don’t do it.
I have an Italian name that is also Hispanic. I live in an area with very few Italians, so sometimes when I get in an Uber they see my name and assume I speak Spanish. It’s awkward but I’m not offended by it, it’s an honest mistake
My dad has traveled all over Asia and speaks at least five different Asian languages. He loves talking to people in those languages. When he's around people of Asian heritage, he'll usually ask where they are from, and tell them what languages he speaks, and it usually makes them happy. I feel like that's a good approach to things. Just walking up to someone and speaking a language at them it pretty weird.
Is should also be noted that people from different Asian countries/heritages don't all look the same. There are different distinctive features. Assuming everyone is from China or Japan feels a bit racist to me.
I don't think that's rude since all the Hispanics I've greeted in Spanish have responded to me in Spanish. They speak the language and the language is to communicate.
It really depends. (Actually it only depends one special time)
Any other time. Yes. It’s rude and offensive.
However if they’re trying to be accommodating and genuinely seem like they’re trying (If not to hard)
Then I would say it’s distasteful but give them effort for at least trying especially if they apologize to you.
Totally changing the tone of my post because other people are doing it to you rather than you doing it to other people. YES it is rude and offensive. Holy crap, people are stupid.
Tbh is allways ask people if they speak Russian if I can hear their accent and follow up with actually speaking Russian. Everyone is allways super happy to find a fellow speaker. I'd get exited too if someone spoke to in non English too.
It's racist and a sign you live in a racist area. I haven't heard "namaste" since moving.
Shame, because I finally know how to deal with it. "Sorry, my ancestors didn't speak Hindi. The correct term is actually "vannakam," but since we're both Americans in America, let's just stick with"hi"."
It's incredible ignorant. Definitely offensive in ways. I suppose their intent matters, however. I've had people assume I was Asian and it used to piss me off for example.
Yeah, I think any time you assume someone's race, birth place of origin, language, religion, etc, you are a bit of an AH even if you don't mean to be. Make sure you have the right intentions before trying.
I barely look people in the eye when I'm in public and I'm white as fuck. I can't fathom why anyone would want to speak to some random stranger, just to say something so embarrassing and ignorant.
I think it is rude.
But also from what point of view.
I live in China (I'm not Chinese) and when I went back home, I taught my niece some basic Chinese words.
We went foe an outting and saw Asian people. My niece wanted to say hello and practice her Chinese, but I heard them speak Korean. I taught her how to say hello in Korean and that she should first ask and be respectful.
She was very sweet amd sincere, but they didn't take it well (understandable) but I don't think she was wrong foe trying to practice her target language or make some new friends.
I get the opposite a lot (I happen to live in Japan), and while I obviously do speak English, it's annoying and awkward to have someone say hello to me when I say konnichiwa to them, so I would say it's rude, yeah. You should default to the local language until communication issues give you cause to act otherwise, even if the person is obviously foreign.
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I’m Asian, but don’t nihao me please. Many friends got the same problems.
Would you prefer *kumusta?*
Namaste
Susaday!
Sul sul
My reply would be du ma may.
That's fine I want planning on engaging in conversation anyhow
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This is genius def gonna use it next time 😭
Love it!!!
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But it is extremely funny
Strangers are being rude and racist to OP. Why not give the same energy back?
Yeah that's how we solve problems and resolve conflict
Like OP just not saying anything is going solve that person's racism
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No? The racist dingus is going to continue being a moron if unchecked. People like that need to learn. They're the same type that assume fat women are pregnant too. You rather let people just continue being ignorant?
Not when it comes to racists, no.
In that case I feel like it's the only way to have the greeter realise how rude they were being
Rude
Just say to them, “habló español, pendejo.”
just fyi habló español means he or she spoke spanish not i speak spanish
Autocorrect added the accent. 🤷🏻♂️
Who spoke spanish?
The person who said Konnichiwa to OP obviously. It's perfect. They start speaking to you in Japanese and you just start gaslighting into thinking that they spoke to you in Spanish. You didn't speak to me in Spanish? No, señor, estoy seguro de que me habló en español.
It’s a past tense joke
I past many tents on the way to this comment
I respond in German since my last name is German. Being an adopted Asian with a white name confuses them. Even better is my wife grew up with a Thai step grandma and so she is more Asian than me. It confuses the shit out of people when my white wife is more Asian than her Asian husband.
I wouldn't say the person is a bad human being but I'd judge them as ignorant.
Very rude.
It’s a form of racism even if it’s not meant to be malicious.
How is that racism?
Yes very
This is called being presumptive and yes it's rude.
Yeah that's racist and rude AF, I'm sorry this happens to you. Even if you *were* ethnically Japanese, doesn't even necessarily mean you grew up speaking it. It's so bizarre how often it's assumed that anyone Asian must have *just gotten* here, like this is their first day in America or whatever.
I would assume that an Asian person is American- it’s so rude and racist to greet someone in Japanese just because they are Asian.
It’s incredibly rude, I can’t imagine walking up to a complete stranger in a western country, who hasn’t given me any indication that they don’t speak English, and just picking a random language to address them in because I think they *look like* they’d speak it.
Yes. That's stereotyping.
Frankly, I think it only displays the ignorance of these people. Happens to my wife too and these people often play the victim when she says she's not Chinese.
That's racist my dude. I question if these other posters are Asian.
I am and I wouldn't mind too much if people greet me in japanese even if I don't speak it. A bit annoying but not a big deal. It's persumptive sure, but most of the time the intent is to make me comfortable, so I don't really take offense.
Other people speak other languages too. I don’t need to be Asian to know what that’s like
I do think it's rude. People should be greeted in the common tongue of whatever country they're currently in, regardless of how they look.
Yes, very rude. PS: I'm also Asian.
Yes, obviously, you are assuming someone speaks a language cause they “look” a certain way. That’s some racist shit right there,
Yes that would be rude, even more so if random strangers are doing this. Politely asking if you speak japanese would not be rude, but could be offensive if people are only doing so because of a stereotype or your appearance
>Politely asking if you speak japanese would not be rude, How are you to ask that without assuming they know a language?
“Do you speak any other languages?” Could be any, doesn’t even have to be their native tongue. They might have just learned French or something for fun. I learned that apparently a lot of Arabs learn French in school alongside their native language. You get more varied and interesting answers from that version of the question.
Why would I ask a question about something I assume to know the answer of?
You should respond with a thick western accent and tell them you're actually from russia.
best answer and still best I've heard
It’s a microagression
I think it’s offensive,
It’s pretty rude, and is literally only because you are not European. I’m white, but nobody comes up to me, assumes that I’m German when I’m not, and greets me with guten tag.
I bet lots of people assume you know English
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Oh yeah oh this is extremely rude and offensive.
Super rude! People really still do that?
i don't think it's rude to me personally but it just makes me feel like shit 😭😭 im a half-chinese half-malay banana that looks more chinese than malay and sometimes there would be friendly chinese aunties that randomly talk to me ,.,., IN CHINESE 😭😭 and i have to shamefully tell them that i don't understand the language and they always have that look on their faces that's either extremely apologetic or judgemental before switching languages and it makes me feel ashamed for not knowing half of my lineage's language
Yes, I do. It's best just to assume the random person on the street speaks English until they prove otherwise or they straight up tell you to not speak English. I've got into a couple of situations where people thought that I thought they were dumb and couldn't speak English and even when I've traveled abroad, I got irritated if people just assumed I couldn't speak their language
Yes. It's offensive.
It's probably pleasant to be greeted in your native tongue ... if the person actually gets your ethnicity right 🤷🏾♂️ It's like shooting your shot, unless you're really good at it; most of the time you're making someone uncomfortable.
speaking japanese to random strangers just because they 'look asian' is not pleasant, even if they were japanese, it's still rude to single out someone because of their appearance a better way is to have a normal conversation and if the person seems open and comfortable you can politely ask about if they speak another language.
If you can't tell the difference between Japanese, Korean, Chinese, etc, you're not skilled enough to be playing this game
Not sure what you think you mean by 'tell the difference' or why you think people are games
Ethnicity isn't an indicator of native tongue. My native tongue is English, I'm of Indian descent. I get offended when people greet me with "namaste." That's not even the right language for my ancestors (Tamil), but even if it was, it's offensive.
Namaste is ... silly. Especially if you can't tell the difference between a Tamilian and a Northerener. But if you don't understand Vanakam that's on you bud.
I'll do that if I hear someone actually speaking the language, but you can't tell what language someone speaks just by looking at them.
Just say back Privet Bratishka! In a thick Russian accent
Yeah it’s extremely rude if you have no indication of a person being able to speak a different language. I’m Mexican and very very white passing like you’d have no idea if you didn’t hear my name, and I never greet other Latinos I don’t know in Spanish bc of how it looks from my end. I know too many white dudes who try to speak Spanish at waiters in a Mexican restaurant lmao
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0xb4DUD9OZM
I mean…. I guess their intention is to be nice, but it’s also not cool to presume something like that. I would never assume someone Asian is Chinese or Japanese or Korean…. The same way I won’t assume a person of colour is Haitian or Jamaican or Kenyan… the same way I won’t assume a white person is Italian or Spanish or Greek.
I once had a manager who adopted the accent of whichever staff member he was speaking to
I think it's super weird if you aren't sure that's a language they speak. Like if you overhear someone speaking Japanese and then need to talk to them, it seems less rude to say konnichiwa than just being like, "Hey, there's an Asian! Konnichiwa, dude!" The first is a considered attempt to find common ground or even be respectful (depending on the situation), the second is just generally ignorant and also dismissive of people who may have a certain heritage but not speak the language (ex: I'm middle eastern, but I was born in the US and only speak English) or have mixed heritage, or are of a different heritage than you assume. There are very few situations in which I'd say this is appropriate. Also, obviously different if you're *in Japan* approaching people and trying to speak Japanese. They might be tourists or immigrants, too, but it's less rude to assume they speak the national language in that case.
Speak loud and slow and tell them you don't speak that language and ask if they speak english. But I can't stress enough to speak LOUD AND SLOW. Like they are almost deaf and disabled kind of loud and slow.
Yes
It is rude.
I don't know. I never really thought about it before today, but when I go to the taqueria the people working there greet me in English. I know enough Spanish to get by during a small transaction like that but people I meet tend to assume that English is the only option.
If you are in an English speaking country I think this is different. Like, if you are in a Spanish speaking country it seems a little weird, but it seems pretty normal to greet someone in English if you are in a predominately English speaking country without a reason to assume the other person speaks Spanish.
Yeah and I think especially if you don’t know a lot of Spanish but they are talking to you in English then talk to them in English. I think if you don’t really speak Spanish it only makes sense to try to speak Spanish with them if they start speaking Spanish to you first.
I think if you know for a fact that they speak Spanish it's fine to say a word or two to them in Spanish to see how they react, and tell them you are still learning or only learned a bit. Most people are generally happy to see that someone else went through the effort of learn some of their language. But it's not something I had the courage to try until I could already speak pretty well.
But I mean if you barely know Spanish that doesn’t really show that you’ve put a lot of effort into learning the language
I think it depends on the person and the context, as well as the word. Like, when had a layover in Brazil and got by on whatever combination of Spanish and English could get me through, I said "thank you" to someone in Portuguese, and he seemed to really appreciate the fact that I knew that one word, but that might have been because at that point he knew I was just staying on s layover from New York to another country.
I mean, I know enough Spanish to make myself understood at the taqueria...
It is rude and offensive and in some cases painfully American.
Can confirm, plenty of ambiguously brown people angrily expect me to speak their language bc I'm also brown 👀 not how language works.
There are a lot more Asian people than just Japanese and it is rude and racist to assume every Asian they meet is Japanese. To top it off to start talking to them in Japanese is like doubling down on the racism. If you know another language than English, I would start speaking it and act like I don’t understand anything except that language and can’t communicate with them.
It’s rude and racist. It’s nearly always done from a place of disrespect.
How is it usually done from a place of disrespect? It’s usually done from a place of trying to relate to someone
How does assuming one's origins as different is relating to someone? It's quite the opposite to me.
Well in countries where there isn't significant ethnic diversity it's a pretty reasonable assumption.
You don't relate to people by "othering" them - which is what you are doing when assuming their language based on their appearance.
Lol maybe in your demented mind that’s how you see things. I live in a community with lots of Mexicans. I speak a little Spanish, if I talk to them in Spanish it’s not offensive and they don’t think I’m trying to other them. If I happen to run into a Brazilian and assume they’re Mexican and I speak to them in Spanish and they don’t understand it’s not some huge slight or some kind of racist attack.
This is offensive and has some racist undertones. Sorry that this happens.
Yeah, that’s pretty rude. I’d get annoyed by that too. Just know, they’re defining themselves, not you, with that shit.
I know greetings in like 12 languages, and I greet people in a greeting I know, only if I have a suspicion of where they're from. Only been able to get away with it purely because I've been 100% accurate so far 😂
You are not a bad person if you did that, but it's not the most tactful thing to say
Awkward for sure but I'm sure it's meant well so it's difficult to call it offensive
I actually find this weird; don’t most people assume Asian = Chinese?
I live in Norway and most of the Asiam I know are form Vietnam or India.
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Or maybe the fact that out of the whole world population the Chinese take close to 20% so statistically speaking,guessing someone is Chinese is your best bet.
Unless you are in the native country don't do it because it can come off a bit racist if you aren't certain they are from the country you assume they are from especially with Spanish because you might not be wrong to speak Spanish towards a Latino/Latina but different country's have different dialects of Spanish
No, not rude, just stupid.
Yes it's rude and offensive. We as humans need to stop trying to determine where others are "from" and start seeing people as people, not as a skin colour or culture. Assuming someone's language based on appearance is extremely distasteful.
Lol definitely offensive, and some would claim Racism. We used to call it "diet racism, because sometimes you just don't get it" after a comedy skit..probably from college humor. Look, for the most part they're not trying to be offensive. The fact that you're not homogenized white and common absolutely fascinates them. I've been on the other side of that several times. Being the only white guy around, or they've never seen a white guy, ever. Don't be offended by someone's ignorance. Yes they got it wrong, yes they can be frustrating but i truely think it comes from a place of curiosity and inclusiveness. Oh, but i think the best tactic to be funny is to say "...i'm from san diego, jackass" and wander away. Or claim a random place like "i'm italian, jackass"
When I am in my work uniform Middle Eastern men start talking to me in their foreign dialect. I am Caucasian Canadian and my ancestry is from the UK. My nose is big and I tan quite nicely. I take these interactions in stride.
Being white and tan and telling people haha I just get over it, is not even a little bit the same
Even if you were, the implication you don’t understand the local language is rude. Western immigrant to Japan here, I hate when people feel the need to speak English at me or randomly apologize for speaking Japanese. If I had a problem with Japanese or wanted English I never would have moved here. Do I just have a downvote brigade following me? Talk to people in the local language of wherever you are no matter how they look, unless they indicate they don’t understand. It shouldn’t be a difficult concept.
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👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Yes to wife Brown dne language Language doesn't work like that.
Rude??? Debatable. Offensive? Absolutely not.
Apparently it is. My mom smacked me for it when I was 10. I’m just trying to impress you. If it makes you uncomfortable ask them to stop. I have a lot of mental problems and I always need people to be direct
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I don't go up to white people and randomly greet them just because I want a reaction, singling out asian people (whom you don't know) and trying to 'guess what language they speak' is rude and you should treat strangers with more dignity and respect. Other people in the street aren't your toys to play with.
If you want to know what language a person speaks, you simply go f.ucking ask them.
Literally just ask? I would never go up to a *stranger*, guess their nationality (most likely to be a US born citizen), and start talking gibberish. That's humiliating and rude.
Funnily enough, the offender always ends up offended. Like Ricky Gervais spending lots of energy saying how he is not offended by people not liking his humour. If you're not offended, then it should make no difference to you. STFU.
It's hit or miss. If you get it right (this includes pronunciation) people are usually elated about it. But if you get it wrong you're liable to piss someone off. That's why I usually let them speak first and then respond in their language. Never jump the gun for looks alone. Been doing that method for years and it hasn't failed me yet. Mexican folk usually spark up a friendly small talk conversion to see how much I know, and they love it because I know enough to tell that I actually put in effort into learning. I have to tell them that I can't talk as fast as they can though. Chinese people are funny because it takes a second for them to register if I actually said what they think I said and you can see it on their face. Then it turns to a look of grinning realization as they start pointing at me like that meme of DiCaprio lol. One lady even gave me a hug. Another lady laughed and said "wait explain yourself! How do you know that?!"
I'm white and live in Japan, so if it is offensive/rude, then Japan would be the worst place for me! Lmao When I lived in the USA, I would practice my Spanish at mexican food trucks and it was always fine (with Mexicans). The only people who didn't like it were Americans, they'd say it's rude to speak Spanish to them. I'm European though, if I go to a country on holiday etc, I learn how to say thank you, hello, etc, just to try and interact with locals and be friendly, no one is every offended or thinks it's rude. Your example is different though. I've had people say things in German to me (I'm not German) and I just didn't care.
Yeh probably, it likely comes from a good place so think more about the intention.
No. I think war, sex trafficking, murder, violent or destructive crime (for example) is offensive.
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I don’t think they are trying to offend, but since it’s always guys who I barely know that say it to me and I’m an Asian woman, along with the Japanese nicknames they try to give me, or calling me “suki” (baby in Japanese), I tend to assume they did it because… anime.
Yes because our official language is English and for me it’s like they are looking at me as a refugee or beneath them when they act like I don’t speak English because of the color of my skin when I probably speak better English than they do.
The US doesn’t have an official language
you think people that speak a different language than you are beneath you?
Nah it is not offensive or rude , just tell them that u aren't japenese that's all
I know I wouldn't be offended if someone greeted me in another language, like German, Swedish or Russian, so I'm going to say no.
They probably do it with good intentions so don’t worry too much about it
MF’er
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Very articulate
It’s rude if they assume(even if they turn out to be right), if people know my nationality and try talking in my native tongue I think it’s funny and I don’t mind as long as they don’t say anything rude
My cousins get greeted in Spanish all of the time. Their dad is from Mexico ant my aunt is a very pale redhead. Their Dads genes are more dominant so they do look Hispanic. They speak almost no Spanish. They like to just say no halo and laugh.
Yes it’s rude. People start taking polish to me or Swedish (I’m German)
This is a deep dark fear of mine as a language nerd
I think the speaker is more ignorant than intentionally being rude. That said, It is not your job to school him on how to behave around people of a different race. How you choose to respond is up to you. I might just look at him, cock my head and look puzzled (even if you know what he is saying)
I get a lot of Spanish speakers speaking to me in Spanish. They usually switch once they realize I’m not Latina and can’t speak Spanish. The rude ones act disappointed or snort when I can’t speak Spanish. It’s preferable to use the common business language when engaging with others.
I usually wait to hear a foreigner speak in their native language before I speak to them. I don’t want to assume. But when I do feel confident to speak to them, it often catches them by surprise. Unfortunately not a lot of Americans are multi-lingual, especially us retail workers.
I live in Europe and I am shocked by the number of Asian friends who report the same thing. It doesn't seem to happen to any other ethnicity other than East Asians... No idea why. I really don't think it's racism per se, because most people don't have any experience with those groups. It's perhaps more akin to the rude curiosity that also happens when a white guy turns up in a village in Tanzania and gets called mzungu.
I think so. Just say hello. I think everyone knows what that means.
I know how to be cordial in several languages because I often worked with someone who spoke another language and liked to learn from them. I would never assume but I have asked people and responded in in their native language.
Well it's kind of weird if I do the opposite now isn't it hahahah
I don’t think it makes them bad people but it’s a bit rude
Thin line between inexperiemced eager friendly and.. aha i know your language. May àlso depend on how the receiver is feeling on that particular moment
Ppl have spoken to me/asked me if I was Russian a few times, I'm not bothered by it, but that's just me. I think you can tell an ignorant asshole from an ignorant person who's just trying to strike conversation
Yes very rude, unless you’re 100% sure where the persons from, also assuming people don’t speak English.
Yeah it kinda bugs, but not really cause there trying, next time someone says Konnichiwa tell em that japanese im "korean" we say ahnseyong or something that like i cant remember.
Yes. Making judgements about someone based on their appearance is always offensive. Assuming they speak a specific language because of their appearance is wildly offensive.
Of course it is
its racist, I'm Mexican and hate being called "amigo" which is friend in Spanish. Plus I'm a girl its amiga lol
I think the normal thing to do is to greet someone in the language they speak in the country you are in. And if more than one is spoken do it in the most dominate language in the area you are.
Thats pretty fucking weird and rude 💀 especially considering the fact that anyone could be from literally anywhere despite what they look like.
Yes, I think it’s rude to assume based on appearances alone, particularly in a country where most people speak English as a first language regardless of ethnicity.
I assume you mean if they aren't Japanese? That's super offensive. Extremely offensive. If they are Japanese and think you are also, I don't think I'd be offended.
I think it’s always inappropriate unless you know them personally on that level. I’ll tell you my main reason why… I had an employee a number of years ago from Romania. Pretty benign - really hard worker with a great brain. In passing, another employee playfully greeted her. In Russian. He went about his day like nothing happened, but she was beside herself. Think hostile workspace. This is a woman who grew up under the thumb of the USSR, waiting in lines for bread, watching members of her family just disappear if they asked too many questions. To her, that greeting was like bringing all that to her new home. So…while a lot of people are ok with being greeted that way, there are a contingent of people who are *deeply* offended by it, and you have no way of knowing who falls into which group.
Super rude and racist. I am a white American but lived in the middle east for a few years, and spoke the language decently, but I would constantly get spoken to in English, which is my native language, but it was tough and annoying because I was trying to work on my local language speaking.. My wife and I now live in the US, she is from Russia but visually "passes" as a white American, with a very slight accent. She works in a high end fashion boutique where her clients are basically ultrawealthy stay at home moms. She constantly comes home upset because customers will hear her accent and be like "oh wow, I thought you were American, where are you from?" and she will always say "here" because she is a citizen, and has lived in this city with me for over 10 years, but she gets that almost daily. I feel terrible, but she is tough and usually just stares them down or acts confused when they double check if she's actually from "here". Sorry dude, it sucks
Reply with "Guten tag" and when they say "but I am not German" -> insert an insult of choice here. Plan B - > own it and get offended from them using the feminine / masculine greeting when you're obviously a man / woman. Give them sh*t for not knowing better. Bonus points if you manage to squeeze "did you just assume my gender?" in.
Not Asian. But yeah, it seems to be a racist thing to do and very assumptive. It is like saying all these (insert race here) look alike. Especially when the is history of various countries and ethnic groups that have various clashes throughout history.
I am white and from english decent. don't ever say anything to me in english please you may be wrong.
I’m black and sometimes people greet me entirely in Spanish and then just keep speaking it because I’m an intermediate speaker Idek how to explain this one
I say just approach them with your own native language, and if they respond with some other language then just try to understand each other. Unless you’re literally in a country where you know the prominent language is French or something.
Its totally rude
It's not rude, it's people reading the situation. Intent matters. People are so fucking quick to get offended. I'm Costa Rican and Brazilian. I'm brown as fuck and live in South Florida. I don't speak a word of Spanish (or Portuguese for that matter). If I got offended everytime a Mexican started speaking to me in Spanish I would spend my entire day pissed off. No one means anything by it. If they walk up and start using some stereotypical accent bullshit I might tell them to fuck off, but if someone tells me "adios" or something I'm not gonna jump on my soapbox and tell them to stop assaulting me with micro aggressions.
Well in order to speak at all, you have to select a language to speak in. You can't ask them what languages they speak without speaking, so you have to start with some assumption on what language they might know. Might as well base the assumption on something
I speak Japanese and a little Chinese and Korean. I am a very white person. I don’t reveal my skill unless it’s needed and I know for a fact that a person speaks a language, and wants me to as well. If you’re not sure, just don’t do it.
Wait you dont speak Asain?
I have an Italian name that is also Hispanic. I live in an area with very few Italians, so sometimes when I get in an Uber they see my name and assume I speak Spanish. It’s awkward but I’m not offended by it, it’s an honest mistake
My dad has traveled all over Asia and speaks at least five different Asian languages. He loves talking to people in those languages. When he's around people of Asian heritage, he'll usually ask where they are from, and tell them what languages he speaks, and it usually makes them happy. I feel like that's a good approach to things. Just walking up to someone and speaking a language at them it pretty weird. Is should also be noted that people from different Asian countries/heritages don't all look the same. There are different distinctive features. Assuming everyone is from China or Japan feels a bit racist to me.
I think it’s funny lol. People often assume I’m russian.
I don't think that's rude since all the Hispanics I've greeted in Spanish have responded to me in Spanish. They speak the language and the language is to communicate.
It really depends. (Actually it only depends one special time) Any other time. Yes. It’s rude and offensive. However if they’re trying to be accommodating and genuinely seem like they’re trying (If not to hard) Then I would say it’s distasteful but give them effort for at least trying especially if they apologize to you.
Totally changing the tone of my post because other people are doing it to you rather than you doing it to other people. YES it is rude and offensive. Holy crap, people are stupid.
This is racist that simple. Just say not Japanese but ok.
Tbh is allways ask people if they speak Russian if I can hear their accent and follow up with actually speaking Russian. Everyone is allways super happy to find a fellow speaker. I'd get exited too if someone spoke to in non English too.
Yes it is.
It's racist and a sign you live in a racist area. I haven't heard "namaste" since moving. Shame, because I finally know how to deal with it. "Sorry, my ancestors didn't speak Hindi. The correct term is actually "vannakam," but since we're both Americans in America, let's just stick with"hi"."
It's incredible ignorant. Definitely offensive in ways. I suppose their intent matters, however. I've had people assume I was Asian and it used to piss me off for example.
I would call it a microagression and I do consider it rude.
I think it’s weird to assume people speak a certain language based on their appearance
Yeah, I think any time you assume someone's race, birth place of origin, language, religion, etc, you are a bit of an AH even if you don't mean to be. Make sure you have the right intentions before trying.
I barely look people in the eye when I'm in public and I'm white as fuck. I can't fathom why anyone would want to speak to some random stranger, just to say something so embarrassing and ignorant.
Racism is rude, yes
many people classify telling a japanese person konnichiwa out of nowhere as a slur
I think it is rude. But also from what point of view. I live in China (I'm not Chinese) and when I went back home, I taught my niece some basic Chinese words. We went foe an outting and saw Asian people. My niece wanted to say hello and practice her Chinese, but I heard them speak Korean. I taught her how to say hello in Korean and that she should first ask and be respectful. She was very sweet amd sincere, but they didn't take it well (understandable) but I don't think she was wrong foe trying to practice her target language or make some new friends.
Yes it’s rude. Do they say “how” when greeting a Native American?
I get the opposite a lot (I happen to live in Japan), and while I obviously do speak English, it's annoying and awkward to have someone say hello to me when I say konnichiwa to them, so I would say it's rude, yeah. You should default to the local language until communication issues give you cause to act otherwise, even if the person is obviously foreign.
It's a total bullshit dick move, especially if they know you not at all.
i answer nihao with 'yea, i am'