If your native language is different to the language spoken in the country you live and work in how often do you use your native language?

Question

Shiprex · Accepted Answer

EVERY DAY lol
It's my job so I need to use it and it's the local language that scuppers me. It was the same in the last place I lived so I have concluded I am a linguaphobe and want that to be part of the learning disabilities scale so I can use a translator to GET IT RIGHT as that gives me serious anxiety that I sound like a cretin to people I want to impress.
YES it's a me thing but I learned German at school, visited Spain many times, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, France, Zimbabwe, Italy and even all the Scandinavian countries and never could I prevent myself from mixing up the language nuggets I picked up from one place and the next to put them into coherent communication structures.

Tarifa · Accepted Answer

Hardly ever, except in a professional context. The funny thing is that, after several decades as an ex-pat, some words in my native language seem to reside in a 'hidden drawer' in my mind. They're there, but the equivalent comes up in my mind in the language of the country I live in now. So at times, I tend to use different words and mix languages in the same sentence.

Advisor Smith · Accepted Answer

Adapting to a different language environment can be both a challenge and an opportunity. When I lived abroad, I found speaking my native language provided comfort and a deeper connection to my roots. However, the frequency of its use was often determined by my community and personal connections. For instance, with family or friends, I used it daily, whereas in professional settings, it was less frequent. Balancing both languages enriched my experience, allowing me to maintain cultural ties while immersing in a new culture.

NathanDavis · Answer

I live and work in both the USA and Mexico, so I often use English and Spanish and every single day...

funny thing is... I've never actually studied English nor learned it the proper way (not like there's a proper way anyway) but I am a "Texan native" so... not sure which to call my native language, I know however... that my Spanish is a much better than my English

Zack-Bann · Answer

Mostly when I call my mom  Or hang out with a few friends who come from my country as well  But 90% of the time I use French  And a lot of English at work as well

msg321 · Answer

I talk it whenever I find someone who can speak it. Isn't your native language Italian by the way?

NordicInScandinavia · Answer

I use my native language on an almost daily basis. Might go a day or two in-between speaking it but then I am listening to it or writing in it

HawkPerception · Answer

Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, English is the only language I've learned and know.

Agape93 · Answer

Depends. If it's german or Norwegian, ill rarely use English

talka20 · Answer

Everyday because i live in the area where mostly my native is spoken

moon_knight · Answer

I live in the country where I speak my native language. However, I am planning to go abroad for my career within 2 years at the latest. 🌙

If your native language is different to the language spoken in the country you live and work in how often do you use your native language?

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