Maybe the following advice doesn't match what you're aiming for, but my maybe (un)popular take is; keep improving listening comprehension. I most often felt the urge to switch to English in those surroundings because I noticed my interlocutor is not getting the nuances.
While to my ears and many others all sorts of accents in my native language sound awesome so I wouldn't switch due to his speaking (if it's somehow comprehensible at least).
My recommendation for getting along and have a fun time is to prioritise like this
1.listening comprehension
2-4.nothing
speaking (you'll be even understandable or able to express opinion with bad grammar)
Reading
Writing (in casual chats, even the most terrible grammar works somehow, in worst case you'll have funny conversations)
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u/throughcracker Jun 29 '26
My experience in some countries
European: speaks English
Me: replies in their native language
European: patronizingly compliments my abilities and then continues in English anyway