Do many bilingual/multilingual speakers look down on monolingual speakers? (movies, living)
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How do you think French people would get treated in the US if they refused to learn even some basic words like "hello", "thank you" and "goodbye"? I don't understand this incredibly negative perception of the French that seems to prevail in the US. I've been to France several times and I don't recognise it at all. The people I've met were very helpful, kind and had no problem speaking English. They're also one of the least patriotic people in the world (I can show you the stats). Again, I have to wonder if you've ever been to France yourself or if you're getting these stereotypes from the internet.
It is exactly how my friends were treated from going, such as going to a restaurant and TRYING to speak french with the waiters and being told their french was not good enough and then proceeded to not serving them.
Or another family friend who was in France and were treated like downright dirt from the people they were renting out from and being called stupid Americans when they asked for certain things to be fixed, such as the hot water that wasn't working. They said, stop complaining about the water and just don't shower for a couple days because it is not customary in France.
I could go on with these stories.
Also, I am going to France this summer so we'll see on that one too.
Also, you are not American.. I don't think the French hate Belgians ?
I was speaking about a specific group of Europeans who think that. I guess that could go for any other nationality, Americans too. This sentiment does however seem to be most prevalent with Europeans. I did not say that all are like that, but it does exist and there are many more Europeans with the "all Americans are stupid" attitude than the other way around.
That doesn't just come from Europeans, that's a global stereotype people have of the US. Canadians also frequently joke about this. And this is an Australian show (don't be mislead by the title ) :
I'd have to disagree with you that Europeans bash Americans more than vice versa. I can't tell you how many times I've heard the stereotype that all Europeans are lazy, arrogant, socialist/communist, weak and entirely dependent on the US for everything, don't contribute anything, etc. Not to mention the cute little nickname "Eurotrash". And you're not helping
That will never happen. Language is part of people's identity, just like their culture and nationality. Replaced with what anyway? English? If English were to have become the de facto language, it would have happened long ago. Besides, I think it's somewhat lazy of English speakers not to at least learn one other language. I actually wish that more fellow countrymen would make more effort to learn a second language. Like travel, it broadens the mind.
EDIT: what does being left or right wing have to do with language? More silly US stereotypes about Europeans? I guess we're all communists.
Oh I have no clue if it will be English, could be any language. I think culture will be less and less prevalent in the coming years, although I don't think it will be in our lifetime. I think our lifetimes will see most people shifting to English and most of the world knowing conversational English.
I'd have to disagree with you that Europeans bash Americans more than vice versa. I can't tell you how many times I've heard the stereotype that all Europeans are lazy, arrogant, socialist/communist, weak and entirely dependent on the US for everything, don't contribute anything, etc. Not to mention the cute little nickname "Eurotrash". And you're not helping
It is exactly how my friends were treated from going, such as going to a restaurant and TRYING to speak french with the waiters and being told their french was not good enough and then proceeded to not serving them.
Or another family friend who was in France and were treated like downright dirt from the people they were renting out from and being called stupid Americans when they asked for certain things to be fixed, such as the hot water that wasn't working. They said, stop complaining about the water and just don't shower for a couple days because it is not customary in France.
I could go on with these stories.
Also, I am going to France this summer so we'll see on that one too.
Also, you are not American.. I don't think the French hate Belgians ?
That's just bad luck, stupid people exist everywhere. I'm sure there are some snobbish French out there who can't stand Americans (just like there are Americans who can't stand France... freedom fries anyone?) but that is not representative for the whole nation. I can hardly imagine that someone would say "just don't shower for a few days, we don't do that over here" (sounds like another well-known stereotype, that French people smell) but I'll take your word for it.
I'm not Belgian, I'm Dutch but I used to live in the French-speaking part of Belgium until last month, an hour away from the French border so I visited France a lot. My experiences have always been positive. I think one reason for the negative stereotypes is that most tourists only visit Paris and Parisians (like in other major cities) tend to be a bit more rude and impatient than average people.
But that's not how its used. The term Eurotrash refers to any European, not just the "redneck" part of the population.
Really? I always thought Eurotrash were those people you see traveling with their ripped up clothing, pot smoking dredlocks and just all around dirtballs. Kind of like a hippy
3. Eurotrash
A certain people and outlook, those who are products of a sneering, overly-socialized culture who take perverse pride in their stylized, postmodern, lazy lifestyles, and those who would choose to emulate this.
Not trying to prove you wrong here, but I don't think Eurotrash refers to ALL europeans, because I've heard Europeans use this term also.
Really? I always thought Eurotrash were those people you see traveling with their ripped up clothing, pot smoking dredlocks and just all around dirtballs. Kind of like a hippy
3. Eurotrash
A certain people and outlook, those who are products of a sneering, overly-socialized culture who take perverse pride in their stylized, postmodern, lazy lifestyles, and those who would choose to emulate this.
Not trying to prove you wrong here, but I don't think Eurotrash refers to ALL europeans, because I've heard Europeans use this term also.
That definition just confirms what I said. It perfectly summarises the stereotypes people have of Europeans (socialist, lazy, arrogant, etc.) and people who use this term apply it to Europeans equally. Remember it says "those who are products of a sneering, overly-socialized culture" which is a general statement. I've been called Eurotrash on more than one occasion in arguments that were completely unrelated (like, in a discussion about music) solely based on my location.
That definition just confirms what I said. It perfectly summarises the stereotypes people have of Europeans (socialist, lazy, arrogant, etc.) and people who use this term apply it to Europeans equally. Remember it says "those who are products of a sneering, overly-socialized culture" which is a general statement. I've been called Eurotrash on more than one occasion in arguments that were completely unrelated (like, in a discussion about music) solely based on my location.
Also,i think I'm coming to Belgium, don't you just want to take me out??
But let's face it, the Eurotrash are rightfully named,
Calling people trash can never be rightful.
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