Dear Queenie,
My boyfriend’s family comes from a different country. They speak English very well, but it is not their native language. My problem is that when we all get together they all talk in their native language and I do not understand what they are saying, so I am left out of the conversation.
Queenie, am I wrong to think they should speak a language I understand?—Offended girlfriend
Dear Girlfriend,
If they know you do not understand the language they are using, yes, they are being rude to you. When it happens, you could speak up, apologise for not understanding what they are saying and ask them to speak in English.
However, you also might want to take a course in their language – you probably can find one online – and won’t they be surprised when you start to understand what they are saying!
But I also have to wonder why your boyfriend, knowing you cannot understand what is being said, does not ask them to speak English for your sake. Doesn’t he care that you feel left out, or could they be saying things he doesn’t want you to hear?
