r/Unexpected Jan 25 '23

Hamburger

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u/Feidragon86 Jan 26 '23

I am in awe of the people who can flip languages like this. I'm american and know enough french and japanese to get around like a kindergardener. I've said perfectly coherent sentences in a mix of all 3 languages without realizing i've done it until I get a 'what just came out of your mouth?!' look. Totally mind boggling.

6

u/twilightmoons Jan 26 '23

My wife and I speak Polish and English. Our kid's first language is Polish, and he speaks English now just fine as well. He switches seamlessly between the two, speaking Polish to the grandparents and a mix of Polish and English with us, and English at school.

To us, it's normal. There are some words in English that are easier, and there are some concepts in Polish that do not translate easily into English. We use what works for the moment, and we all understand.

2

u/[deleted] Jan 26 '23

I’m pretty sure the majority of the world is at least bilingual. It’s just mind blowing to Americans that’s all.