10 Things Bilingual People Know As Told By The Office | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

10 Things Bilingual People Know As Told By The Office

No, I wasn't talking about you, I promise.

12
10 Things Bilingual People Know As Told By The Office
google

Bilingual; an adjective to describe those that can speak two languages with ease, comparative to that of a native speaker. There are so many different languages in the world and being bilingual is becoming so common with globalization, immigration and the internet. I grew up speaking two languages, one at home (Tamil) and one at school (English). Because of that, I quickly became proudly bilingual. Now that I have grown up, I keep learning new languages and hope to one day be multilingual. I know I'm not the only one that speaks more than one language and I'm definitely not the only one that understands what it's like being bilingual. So, here are ten things that bilingual people do and know, as told by 'The Office.'


1. Have secret conversations

Anytime you don't want people around you to know what is happening in your conversation, you speak a different language. Being bilingual is especially helpful when you see somebody attractive there is an instant switch in languages so you and your friends can make googly eyes (don't lie to me, everyone has done this). This also applies to eavesdropping on other conversations you can understand (yes, this an invasion of privacy but you just happened to hear what they were talking about. oops?)


2. "How do you say ________ in your language?"

As much as I love teaching others my native language, this can get pretty annoying. Especially when all anyone wants to learn are swear words. And please stop calling me ''exotic'', I'm not a fruit.


3. You constantly switch languages mid-sentence

This is such an issue because most of the time it's subconscious and absolutely an accident. By the time you're done with the story you were telling, everyone around you just looks confused. Not only do you speak two languages in the same sentence, sometimes you are thinking in two languages. Or even worse, speaking one language and thinking in another.


4. Having multiple keyboards on your phone.

This is the worst especially when you are talking to three different people at once, all in different languages. How am I supposed to switch between all these keyboards?! And don't get me started on autocorrect. I know what I'm saying, it might not be English, but it's right. Stop changing 'vannakkam' to 'vandalism' I'm just trying to say hi! I should just stop learning languages, maybe life would be easier.


5. You get to learn about a different culture

A language is an integral part of many cultures and learning a new one means you also get to learn about new cultures. How fun is that?!


6. Speaking an expressive language

People constantly ask you if you're okay or if you're mad. No, I wasn't fighting with anyone, we were just talking about food.


7. Getting yelled at in another language

If you grew up speaking a different language at home, you know that getting yelled at (or yelling at others) in your native tongue means it is serious.


8. Not everything translates correctly


I really want to tell you the joke, but honestly it's not funny in English. Giving advice? Don't directly translate expressions or proverbs, you'll just sound crazy. Subtitles do you no justice. Nope, none of that sounds right. That word just doesn't have the same meaning in English, you can't understand it unless you speak it.


9. Meeting people who speak the same language

It's so cool when you meet more people that speak the same language as you. Even if they aren't as fluent, are not native speakers or are just learning, you are just so proud and excited that they are learning. Being fluent like you or a native speaker just makes it even better. Instant connection with new friends that can understand you? Score.

10. Bragging rights


Let's be honest, being able to speak more than one language is cool, really freaking cool. Embrace it and chat away!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

96944
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

16141
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

15493
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments