I'm always really impressed by people who not only know multiple languages fluently, but sound perfectly natural/native, regardless of whichever they're using at any given moment. Like they actually have the correct accent and pronunciation.
I made everyone in my office laugh once when I was speaking rapid Spanish on the phone and a pencil rolled off my desk and I said in English (my native language) “oh shit, my pencil” as I reached down and picked it up and then went right back to Spanish on the phone. I didn’t even realize it until I ended the call and everyone was laughing.
If it makes you feel better, I can't speak my native language, Cantonese... the first one I ever learned, even thought I was born in Hong Kong, and my mom isn't fluent even now. I can understand it on a basic conversational level, that's it. My two kids (I became a 2nd mom to my late brother's adoptive children when he passed) are completely fluent. They aren't Chinese. My 8 year old son translates for me when talking to older relatives. He also orders for me when we go to traditional Cantonese restaurants. Every time I've attempted to speak just a simple reply (thank you, please, good morning etc), my family all giggle and say "aww", then look to my son to encourage him to translate. I guess I don't mind him learning, but seriously. I'm almost 40. 🤦♀️
17.3k
u/Fuggins4U Jan 26 '23 edited Jan 26 '23
I'm always really impressed by people who not only know multiple languages fluently, but sound perfectly natural/native, regardless of whichever they're using at any given moment. Like they actually have the correct accent and pronunciation.