AC,

I presume that when people post they join the debate
or argument for a reason. I take their views in
good faith. However, -

It's hard to continue a
conversation with someone when all they try to do is
put you down instead of addressing the issue at hand.

I think it's quite right to stir.

I have also learned from this
forum - not to have views set in concrete because people can
often surprise and often do. That's why I like this forum. It
consistently surprises. Sometimes in a good way, sometimes
not so good. But, it's never dull.

Foxy,

Not only do I speak Hindi but also Irish and Scots Gaelic (really the same language, only divided by Academics!), and French with a smattering of a few others.

My wife, who is from India, and I sometimes hold conversations in different languages, she may start in Hindi and I'll reply in French, good fun and keeps the old brain active.

Our son, who speaks Hindi also, is learning Irish so that his brothers and sisters can't annoy him by speaking Irish.

Speaking a foreign language can sometimes have a bad moment when some yobo gets offended, they shut up quickly when one switches into their own common vernacular; many years ago a friend and I were conversing quietly in English (in a Sydney suburban train) and a drunk said to us loudly, "Why don't you bloody wogs speak English?"

So my mate said, loud enough for all to hear, "Introibo ad altare Dei" to which I replied, "Ad Deum qui laetificat juventutem meam."

The yobo went right off, so we continued the Latin of the Mass; we'd both been Altar Boys.

Around the carriage, there were broad smiles from Catholics or Latinists and incomprehension from others until their neighbours let them in on the joke.
The yobo shut up when his next shot at us provoked general laughter.

The gutless Victorian Opposition has joined the Victorian government in referring to African gangs as 'youth' gangs, even though we all know that they mean AFRICAN gangs. They do not describe all these non-African gangs, because they don't exist; and, like all politicians they think we are too stupid to notice that all of these 'youth' gangs are made up of black Africans.

Is Mise,

Wow! I am impressed with your language skills.
So your wife is from India? You lucky man.

I enjoyed reading your public transport experience.
Some people can really be aggressive - especially when under
the influence. But you did very well in showing up that
person. I probably would have moved to avoid confrontation.
Good for you!

My parents also had a lot of experiences like the
one you described. (What immigrant hasn't?)

Dad could speak several languages - but he
was told to "Speak English," regularly on public transport
(even though he was often with much more elderly people who had not
yet learned to speak English). I hope that today - those
things don't happen that frequently.

I remember a parent and teacher night at my son's private
school and having the Headmaster telling me that I wasn't
the "typical immigrant." As if I got off the boat yesterday.
The man meant it as a compliment.

I also remember a young Italian mother filling out a library
enrolment form for her little girl and putting the girl's name
down as "Lucia." The little girl told me that her name was
"Lucy." I asked - "But it says "Lucia, here on the form?"
The girl replied," the kids at school make fun of "Lucia" so I
use "Lucy" instead." I said that I understood. But then I
added - "Lucia is such a beautiful name and very special.
Anyone can be called Lucy. But
Lucia is just that extra special." The little girl didn't
say anything there and then. However on the next library visit -
the mum came up to me and said, "I want to Thank You."
"For what?" I asked. She replied, "My little girl is now
insisting on being called "Lucia."

I should also add - I ran the Storytime Sessions in that
library so I was popular with the kids - perhaps my opinion
did have some influence.

Foxy,

"Wow! I am impressed with your language skills.
So your wife is from India? You lucky man"

Thank you; yes I am lucky and we've been married for twenty-six very happy years.

Is Mise,

Congratulations and All The Best!