I get bullied for being multilingual. How should I handle it?

Question

I get bullied a lot for being a multilingual girl. I speak English and French as well as all Canadian First Nations languages fluently and am learning Italian, Dutch, German, Spanish, Russian and Croatian. People don't seem to like it but I love learning to speak other languages. Sometimes it becomes unbearable when I'm on the phone with friends or in my classes and people pick on me for switching my accent without realizing it or speaking another language in general. I've asked them to stop before and they haven't. I really want to keep learning but don't want to get picked on! What should I do?

N192K001 · Accepted Answer

Ah, I understand. I'm bilingual due to national heritage and an amateur linguist by interest. Stay awesome and keep learning languages!

You problem seems to be due to a mix of their envy and your (current) UNCONTROLLED switching of languages. If you're being considerate to speakers of other languages by switching to what helps them, that is good. But when you suddenly switch to a language your listener doesn't understand, that same switch becomes inconsideration.

Have you tried assigning a different font for each language? In my case, the languages I study are scattered across the world (E. Asian, S. E. Asian, Middle Eastern, European, etc.), so the scripts look so different (ex. my native Tagalog/ᜆᜄᜎᜓᜄ᜔ vs. Hebrew/עברית vs. Chinese characters/漢字 used in Mandarin, Min-nan, and Japanese), I can't confuse a word being of 1 language or another. In your case, they're all European and only Russian with its Cyrillic uses non-Latin script. Perhaps, using assigning different fonts will help?

Likewise, people from more metropolitan regions tend to be more at ease hearing other languages. People from more monolingual areas perceived foreign speech as a threat or blatant insults hidden in a foreign tongue.

Also, are there any teachers, faculty, and/or staff you're already, naturally in (esp. "very") good relations with? Try to make real, sincere friendships with them (staying cautious of red flags of potential predators, of course). (Don't use them for protection. Then, it won't be as effective.) Be real friends with them and stay near them when trouble is near. If you get bullied in front of the people with power, do you think they will just stand still?

Good luck!

Levin · Accepted Answer

The morons and naysayers in high school will float off into obscurity and their own limited worldview in a year or two. The only thing you'll be left with is yourself. So don't let your sense of self be curtailed by small minded people like that. See them as a test of resolve, and try and invoke strategies to deal with people like that. Because you'll always get them. Try and find the humour in it and take the piss out of them in return. Don't be a shy damsel.

Pretty cool and impressive, by the way :)

Meggehpeggeh · Accepted Answer

Never stop doing what you love. If they want to have an opinion on it tell them to go elsewhere. To be learning so many languages is absolutely incredible. It just shows how clever you are. People who have the audacity to pick on someone for something like that clearly have no where near enough brain cells as you do. I find it rather admirable that you're so into languages. I was in maths contests at 18 but i thought nothing of it when my friends were laughing at me in the paper. Laugh them off because it might bother you now but eventually they'll get bored of it and perhaps realise they're not funny. Keep at it!!!

EssieEsmerelda · Accepted Answer

The people who bully you are stupid ! Hell i envy you ! Knowing multiple languages is the coolest thing since chocolate. And i love chocolate

Pizza_lover159 · Accepted Answer

Leave them alone. The only thing they use their mouths for is sucking dick in a publuc bathroom while you will get rich at 30.

dantetheexplorer · Answer

I'm a polyglot myself, but I've never been bullied for knowing how to speak many languages. I don't get it - why would they bully you for speaking in another language? Unless you're talking to them in a language they can't speak themselves, but I don't think you're doing that - because if you're speaking with your friend on the phone in English, you're not going to suddenly change to any language - unless you have multiple-personality disorder, which I very much doubt you have. So, from one polyglot to another - would you mind elaborating?

OnlyYouKnowThat · Answer

You sound like an intelligent young lady. One of the things you will discover in life is that other people can feel very threatened by intelligent people. So they will try to belittle you and bully you, in the long run you will have much greater success in life than them so just ignore them and play the long game.
Also it is important for you to be humble. Sometimes, because you know you are smart, you want your gift to shine to show other people around you. So maybe you speak to people in different languages and you try to show off your skills. This can come across as being a bit boastful and people around you will resent you for it. So many times it is better to hold back and let other people around you shine a little.
I'm so happy to hear about your passion for languages, keep it up. One day I hope that you can enjoy travelling and immersing yourself in the languages that you are learning.

ImSoSquishy · Answer

damn, wth? i usually get thanks, and compliments for being multilingual when helping strangers translate. there are even times people tell me i should be a translator for a living, but i'm like nahhh lols. but i think you're awesome for being able to speak all those languages at your age. i tried to learn dutch at one point but some pronunciations are so hard to pronounce, like the G and sch sound is so hard to pronounce from like "hoy, alles goed?" or "schoppen" for example.

all of those options are good and worth a shot but if you tried the first three and nothing works, you'll just have to go with option D: Just keep moving forward and hope for the best

skytatoe · Answer

Flip them off verbally in every language you know hahaha
Keep learning, don't let it bother you.

Also do what the other dude said, they make fun of you? Exxagerate it. They make fun of you switching your accent? blow it out of proportion. It'll make you laugh too, and then its not them picking on you, its you making a joke. If you take things lightly people won't pick on you so much. If you take it too seriously, they'll pick on you more, and even if you stopped learning languages they'd find something else to bother you about.

If it gets really out of line feel free to throw a slap, shout, be mean back or report it. There's poking fun and then there's making straight up cruel / offensive comments. Thats not something you just let fly without an appropriate response.

Dovandre · Answer

It's a blessing you can speak multiple languages, not a lot of people can do that, and that is probably the reason why a lot of people mock you for it, because on the inside they are jealous of your ability. When I was a teenager I was the only one in the class that could speak four languages differently, and instead of admiring of looking up to the person that knows more I also got bullied, mostly because I was different than the rest of people.

slytherinqueenbee · Answer

This is insane, massively jealous of your right now, if I was in your shoes I'd probably just ignore it or tell them to back off, but i'm not the most diplomatic of people. Be proud of your skills and brush it off is all I can say.

howlyz · Answer

they are just jealous, I agree with what Levin said and also don't let them do that, simply

if it is bothering you fight it, you can do that by simply ignoring it and telling them it's getting boring what they do, by avoiding certain people, finding friends who also have the same interests etc., just stay cool it don't forget to do that

Unit1 · Answer

Been there, done that. I've been picked on in the east where i still am trapped for speaking German. They were all idiots, who didn't get anywhere in life whereas I've been to America and revised Germany before.
All i did was ignore and resent them. If they want your help in something, deny them and let karma do it's work!

Keep doing what you're doing.

WhitePanther88 · Answer

Take it on the chin. Bullies bully more when they realise something bothers you. Be strong.
Also telling someone likely won't affect anything, schools tend to make a big deal out of their anti-bulling policy but do nothing to the bare minimum to prevent or stop bullying.

avalonbob · Answer

You are an extremely intelligent young women. Our beautiful First Lady Mrs, Trump is fluent in at least six languages. If you are being bullied, report it to your school counselor or headmaster. I thought there were strict laws in Canada against making fun of people and bullying, as in Canada (which is where I assume you are), you really don't have the complete Freedom of Speech that we do in the USA. But bullying in the schools here is taken very seriously. You have a rare gift. Nurture it.

The_FallenOne · Answer

Ignore thoes sad fuckers. In the future you will be successful you will be able to speak to almost anyone in their native language and they will be homeless or working at a fast food reatraunt with a paper hat and a name tag.

Philyouup · Answer

Screw them. they are to dull to recognize real talent and intelligence, Carry on, when you get older, they will look at you with jealous yearning due to your success. I know that doesn't help right now but I hope to give you strength to get your through this stupid shit they cause.

Kairu · Answer

Be yourself. If you want to learn it do it. Nobody should take it away from you. Also don't try to bully back, but do stand your ground. No asking, If you can't stand your ground ignore it. Bullies love it when you feed them.

es20490446e · Answer

Whenever someone picks on you, for anything, exaggerate it.

For example when someone tells me that I look bad with long beard and hairs, I simply say "that's because I'm a dirty beached hippie".

You cannot imagine how fulfilled I feel after that comment.

MrMilti · Answer

Stop talking to people in languages, they dont understand. You said yourself, you sometimes switch languages without even noticing. Thats quite an annoying behaviour, I have to admit.

anonuser0831 · Answer

thats kinda dumb that theyre bullying you for a practical and cool transferable skill thats useful at any point in anyone's life 😕 they must be jealous.. 🤔

BipBipLeddus · Answer

Ignore it. Clearly you're smarter than they are if they can't comprehend how important and useful being bilingual is.

skeetskeetskeet · Answer

here's the thing with bullys... people are going to fuck with you as long as you let them... just turn it back on them and say how you didn't grow up in a trailer park with your brothers dick in your mouth like they did... Thats why you can speak more than they can... or just talk shit in french

spunkygiraffe · Answer

Just ignore them, unless things get worse! I am trying to learn new languages, I think it's fun and interesting! What's funny is, you could say some insults to their face, in a language they don't know, and they would be baffled! XD

Paris13 · Answer

Ignore these Ignoramus. Show them you are Better Here, dear. xxoo

WalterRadio · Answer

They are jealous. Ignore it. High school means nothing. You will be praised in college.

hellacray · Answer

Haha kids get jealous very easily.  I think translators and transcribers make a lot of money so hey if that's the path you wanna follow you can laugh at them in 5 different languages in the future.

JackJPershing · Answer

Ignore them and use your linguistic superiority to create a world akin to Tolkien's Middle-Earth. You will become a legend and your detractors with be working menial jobs.

jess93 · Answer

After highschool, everyone will be jealous. You do what you love. It will take you far.

Mikey_Ramone · Answer

Tell them to back off. Or they'll face some unforeseen consequences.

TsubasaCorrupted · Answer

Ignore them. They're upset because they can't do it themselves. It's jealousy disguised with vitriolic humor.

Lauren-green · Answer

Swear at them in another language and they won't even understand lol

douride2 · Answer

You can speak First nation Languages in Canada? You do realize there are over 60 of them?

kojikurac · Answer

As many languages as you speak, so many individuals are you worth.  People can be so stupid.

TonyBologna25 · Answer

That seems something to be proud about. Not ashamed. Fuck them.

Anonymous · Answer

I don't see how you can get bullied for that. I'm sorry I can speak your language and then some? How is that in any way bad? Just let it go, it's not even an insult.

grega239 · Answer

so basically they bully you for being smart... dont let it get to you and keep it up with being smart

blubblubblub · Answer

thats stupid of them, kinda amazing how many ur learning  ignore them, they're silly

zagor · Answer

All Canadian FIrst Nation languages? Sorry to nitpick, but I find that a little hard to believe.

Aenetoo · Answer

Say, "What kind of cheese is this?" In a foreign language. Then smile becuz u know they have no idea what you just said.

demonics · Answer

Do you attend an "inner city' school perhaps?

Nachowedgie · Answer

Just swear at them in a language they don't understand lol

stuie74 · Answer

The fact you are well advanced from the rest of the losers Will always be an issue, but you may have to be less polite and say fuck you x

taleswapper · Answer

If you don't stand up for yourself, no one else will, either.

cancan73 · Answer

Ignore it for now, I’m getting the feeling you will have the last laugh

Gottabsavagee · Answer

They are obviously jealous. Don’t give them that satisfaction

stf75013 · Answer

Dis leur d'aller se faire foutre (en français) et barre toi en rigolant.

Modohoshom · Answer

They're mentally sick and jealous from you, people get bullied for any single small difference, whatever if it's good or bad. But just ignore them and hide that you're learning langs.

Anonymous · Answer

Make a joke of it when they tease you. They will keep doing it if they know it bothers you.

vald9inches · Answer

tell them off and curse at them in all the languages you know lol

Silver158 · Answer

call them names in a language they don't understand (be that guy!)

BeenShook · Answer

Blow up on them and just stare cursing then out in a language they don't know

fog1337 · Answer

People are retarded and scared of others who are more powerful in anyway. It's kinda a compliment in a way.

Anonymous · Answer

deal with it or drop out of school  both answers are correct  i recommend dropping out school is a lie

Taylor_C · Answer

Be proud of your skills. Ignore the idiots.

jackinoff · Answer

Why would people bully you for bettering yourself and expanding your knowledge. That's so pathetic

ATuairiscean · Answer

Tell your teachers in school or your parents

boggboss · Answer

What do they do to bully you?

stormbreaker06 · Answer

humans are stupid. they need to be exterminated.

Rambler221 · Answer

Throw them out of your life. You can do better.

danielmeegan · Answer

What ever it takes dont let them push you around

MarketData · Answer

Abuse them in their native tongue.

John_Bouff · Answer

I call bullshit

SovietBall · Answer

Please date me!

NoPoliticsPlease · Answer

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