UK, Ireland /
Sad life of a Polish migrant in the UK. Ch. 4 - Language [66]
1. Why would I speak so that everybody can eavesdrop?
2. If Brits come to Poland do they speak Polish?
3. Was that polite to interrupt us, even though we were 'just Poles', or 'just immigrants'?
1. If it's a private conversation, you don't have to, but I agree that one should at least have a basic level of English when going to the UK or to Ireland. Or the native language of the country one plans to live in. You can complain about this, but I also know quite a few Poles, who after years of being in Dublin not even manage to push out one decent word of English more than "Yes" or "No". The problem here is that they don't need to speak English: they are with so many here in Dublin that they can go to Polish shops, Polish pubs and hang out only with Polish ppl. While I am tolerant, I think this is a disgrace. You're living in the country and you should be able to speak the language. Simple as that. Goes for all countries, not only the UK or Ireland.
2. Like somebody already said: if it's on hols, then it's a matter of politeness to be able to speak at least some standard lines or words in the native language. I think most ppl would appreciate that anyway. Unlike popular belief in my country ppl actually appreciate it that you can say a few words in Dutch instead of just starting in English, French or German, having read that anybody in Holland can speak those languages. Just common courtesy, I would say. If you're planning to work and live in Poland, it's essential to know the language.
3. It's not polite indeed, however, I don't think he meant bad with it. I think in his drunkeness he heard a weird language and he wanted to know whether it was Russian, Polish or any other language. It's not a "Poles"-thing. Ppl should not overreact in sits like this: not everything is inspired by racism or hatred.
M-G (thinks Poles are way too insecure about issues like this)
