Spanish- First Impressions

Question

When you just meet someone and your trying to impress them, is it smart to show off that you know another language or is it being too much of a show off?

Is it smart to tell them your SAT score or how fast you can run 100 metres or how much beer you can drink ? - Stig345, Jul 13, 2012

yah i think so.... especailly the beer lol.... jk im only 18... - anhelica, Jul 18, 2012

Answer 1

I'm still learning spanish and I always get positive results when i try to say something in spanish to someone who speaks it (co-workers and friends). If your trying to impress someone by speaking their language, make sure you know that language fluently or you will be disappointed. It is useless to speak a foreign language to someone who doesn't speak that language ( they don't know whether what you say is right or not), unless your speaking that language to someone else in front of them.

Answer 2

I guess it depends on the circumstances. If a non-Spanish speaker asks you to "say something in Spanish", then by all means give them a demo. They won't have any idea what you said and can't give you any feedback. You mey be impressive, but you haven't gained anything.

If you are talking to a Spanish speaker, it can be a good learning experience to start talking to them. They will usually appreciate your efforts, and can give you some real comments and suggestions that can help you out.

Answer 3

Well, if you area speaking their language, it's a bridge builder. Motives count though.

I live in S. America and appreciate every English word someone tries to say to me. It's like water in the desert to me, when I'm surrounded by Spanish. Not that I mind Spanish. Just a little brain break for me, even if it's just 'How are you?" It probably depends on the context.

Answer 4

is it smart to show off that you know another language or is it being too much of a show off?

It's only a good idea if you speak enough to Spanish to make sense.

well yah duh.. - anhelica, Jul 27, 2012

Answer 5

Are you trying to impress them or make a good impression on them?

Are you trying to speak the other persons native tongue ?….which will delight them, or are you trying to empress a non bilingual with your bilingual ability?

Regardless of your intentions…speaking a foreign dialect is always something to be proud of. Its great to get a little ice cream on your cake?...and, people are generally very receptive to gringos speaking Spanish