Sorry for my language ...

Dear everyone that reads my stuff (that includes blogs, stories, comments, and PMs),

I am really sorry if you find it difficult to understand me  I know sometimes I can say something that I think is really easy to understand but some people will look at it and think "Huh?".  The reason I am apologising is because my only language is English.  I can speak a few words of other languages, but I only really speak English.  And, because of that, I forget that English isn't a first language for some of you.  So I am sorry.  I am sorry if my English is confusing for you.  I am sorry if some of my stories have lines in that you don't understand.  I am sorry if my messages seem really complicated.  I am sorry if my language contains words that you are not familiar with.

If I confuse you, please tell me.  I am sorry if I do, and I will try to repeat what I have said in simpler English.  It is my fault for making it complicated, it isn't your fault for not understanding.  English is my first language.  I use it all of the time.  It isn't your first language, and you probably don't use it all of the time.  That's not your fault, so please don't apologise for your "bad" English.  You are making an effort to practice.  I should be making more of an effort to practice your language, or at least to make my English easier to understand.

Again, I am sorry, and I will try to be better in the future.

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informantxgirl #1
Hmm, while I think your empathy is great, I don't think simplifying your language is the key at all. The best way of learning a language is to immerse yourself in as much authentic communication as possible. I mean, I don't expect French speakers (I'm trying to learn French, quite badly) to simplify what they write for their personal amusement to accommodate me. I do like when they take the time to answer my questions or explain things to me, but to ask them to, for lack of a better phrase, "dumb down" what they write? That 's sorta counter-productive for me as a language learner.

"That's not your fault, so please don't apologise for your "bad" English." I'm always telling people this. The fact that anyone tries to use another language that they're not comfortable with is good enough; no need to apologize for their efforts.
oppach #2
It's lovely to see someone being kind and patient about non-native English speakers. =) I think anyone who can learn a second language is amazing!
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