Thirdgen: Just some advice from the other side of the fence.

I studied English in Swedish school from the age of 7 to 19. I also took classes in Business English at University level, adding on to my Engineering degree. I lived for short periods in London and 2 years in the NC, US. I consider my English to be pretty much a second language for me, I read as much books in English as I do in Swedish and I speak as well as anyone can demand from a non-native person, who isn’t a teacher or similar.

Guess what?! The first period I lived in NC, I had hell trying to understand what people said. There is a difference between speaking English (which you study) and the local dialect. Just remember, that if you speak to this guy like anything you wrote in your first posts, he is chanceless.

 

Very true, and true of nearly every language out there too! I'm going to school soon to learn a language and I've been advised that once I'm out I'll be able to read the newspaper and watch the news but not understand local dialects.

At least with english, spanish, and swedish you don't have to learn a new alphabet...

 

one point to torkel.

 

You guys are right, again I apologize again for spazing out and typing something like a drunken madman. I just get pissed when I know that my great grandparents came here from Germany and were told the rules, which were "speak our language and abide by our rules." And they did. If I move to Germany now...guess what...I better speak German or I guess I'm leavin. So why should I have to deal with someone who can't even understand me when I tell him simple things? And how should be under qualified but still get the job I had to get schooling for? Because the company I work for is an equal opportunities employer? That's bullshit. Im my eyes, there is no such thing as race. But if Johnny figures out that 2+2=4 and Tomas has no idea what the number 2 is...then why should Tomas get the same job as Johnny? It just doesn't make sense to me. I have lots of friends that are of all different nationalities. My friend Ramon is from Paraguay, and he follows the rules and makes a good hard workin living. Another friend of mine is from Italy...same way. He doesn't expect to read speed limit signs in kilometers. So calling me a racist...well hate to break your hearts, but I'm not. Call me a open eyed American, cause I actually see WTF is goin on. I'm all about helping anybody if they deserve it. If I know I'm gonna get **** on, and my help is pointless, then I don't give the time of day. Again I'm sorry if I flew off the handle and offended anyone...I'm not here to **** people off, I'm here to make my car faster and more efficient. So thanks to the people that help me out, cause I will return favors.

 

Just FYI most Germans speak better English than most Americans.

 

Hahaha, so true fealora...I get that a lot, too (no, I am not German).
In high school, all the american kids used to try to copy off of me.

 

Yes I look like a chinky bastard (above the waist) but I'm born and raised in da USA YEEHAW and so I only speak english like a true patriot. Every time I've gone overseas I've felt slightly retarded though since that's my only language in in Thailand, Singapore, Germany, Dominican Republic, Cambodia etc they all speak English and many better than most people in our cities and rural areas... :(