you have to stop caring what others think of you
Sometimes when I'm studying with foreign people from different countries, I get excited, but nervous at the same time. When they're speaking their native tongue, a sensation inside me... feels off. They laugh and smile, and I often wonder if they're talking good/bad, or making fun of me. I can't understand what they're saying, so that gets me a little frustrated, and also excluded. I wonder if I'm just overthinking it, or being too serious about nothing. Although, for some reason, it's been bugging me for a while now. And does anyone here has an idea of a way to cope with or lessen the problem?
Before you ask. No, I'm not gonna learn their language; I'm too overworked already.
I speak passable English, but then there are people whose English isn't their first languages either and they speak muddy English that can be hard to understand sometimes.
I've spent most of my life learning English and it feels sometimes like I've lost connection to other people who aren't natives either, like there's some sort of mental blockage I have towards foreigners who aren't above average when it comes to English. I should be having an easier time understanding people who are foreigners and their English since I am not a native either, but there's so many different accents and choice of words that vary so much that it can be hard to keep up with others and their English. I think I've shot myself on the foot by interacting with natives exclusively since I expect every English speaker to be as clear when they speak as natives. I should have spent more time with foreigners who also have poor choice of words and different accents to fulfill the potential that lies in speaking a lingua franca, being able to interact freely with all sorts of non-natives who aren't always as good as natives are.
Anyway, I don't think I can help with your case but I have some issues with communicating with people who speak English too that aren't native because I've spent so long interacting with natives and have somewhat of a standard in the language which a lot of people who don't speak English natively are able to meet.
I just want to look appealing for others, and avoid being labeled as someone who is “Weird” or “Silent kid”.
Thank you for sharing your story. It has inspired me prevail further understanding from others point of view.
I can’t understand them, but if I speak my own language, they’ll be in the same position as me.
