I was born in Poland and moved to America when I was three years old. So you could say I've experienced the ins and outs of being a multilingual person in the United States. Growing up I always thought people would stop asking questions about my country, language, and culture. However, the older I got, the more people asked me. I've learned to embrace my culture and dodge the annoyingly common questions I get asked by native Americans, so if you're from another country or speak another language, I'm sure you've got asked these 11 questions multiple times, too.

1. You can speak another language?!? Say something in _____!!

*In my head*: I just told you I speak another language, and no I don't know what to say and don't like being put on the spot like that. It is easier to translate something.

2. How do you say 'Hi' in ____?

*In my head*: Did Google Translate retire like Internet Explorer did?

3. *Person says something in my language* "What did you just say?:

*In my head*: If I was talking to my mom in ______, I probably didn't want you to understand.

Actual response: I said I'm hungry

4. Do you like America better than your home country?

*In my head*: If I said my country you would go on a rampage about how America is so much better, but I really like where I came from.
Actual Response: America.

5. What's better about your home country than America?

*In my head*: I can drink at the age of 18 and can work a couple hours a week and still have a house, healthcare, and go on vacation 7 times out of the year.
Actual Response: It's not.

6. Oh, I heard your country's food is delicious, make me something!

*In my head*: If my mom taught me to cook sure however, I can't cook (said culture's) food even if I wanted to.
Actual Response: Maybe when I'm not busy.

7. How do you say my name in ______?

*In my head*: Hell if I know. It's probably your name with an accent.
Actual Response: (makes up a name that sounds relatively close)

8. How do you say these curse words in ______?

*In my head*: I don't feel like swearing in my language it's a lot harsher than American swears.
Actual Response: Some swear words don't have translations.

9. Can I come visit you in your home country??

*In my head*: Sure, if you want to pay 10,000 for a round trip, including food, and shelter I'm all for it.
Actual Response: Sure! One day, definitely.
Thought continued: I hope they forget about this talk (usually they do).

10. Would you ever move back?

*In my head*: If I had a lot of money and a future in a heart beat.
Actual response: Maybe when I am old, but probably not.

11. Why do you sound so angry?

*In my head*: Why do you sound so annoying?
Actual response: I'm not, that's just the way the language sounds.