I speak English as a second language,and to be honest,I've seen many Americans who can't speak or write as good as I can...But still I get insulted by many of them,because of my "bad english"...Why is that so?Do I deserve that?
130275
Not only by the Americans but also by the English..:P
616803
I do understand what you're trying to say, and I do not usually try to make a big deal out of the grammar and spelling mistakes of others.  However, I do get very annoyed when I am trying to read a post that is written so poorly that I have to read the words more than once to try and figure out what the person is saying.  There is also a spell check on this board, so there really is no reason for misspelled words.  Now, punctuation is a whole different story, I suppose.  In either case though, there is still no reason for someone to be mean about it or to make fun of someone for it, even if it is extremely annoying.
33162
Ok, this isn't a very good place to make a judgment on how well people can spell. \nFor one, there is a wide age range here. I have seen children as young as 11 here, so obviously they are more apt to make a mistake.\nSecondly, people make typos all the time.  This is an informal setting so they are not as likely to spend a lot of time correcting mistakes, as say they would be when composing a buisness letter.\nThirdly, how do you know who speaks English as their first language, and who doesn't just by reading the question.  I don't think that you can possibly know that.\n\nIf they had this same type thing set up in Spanish speaking countries, or German, Or whatever language, I think you would find just as many people making errors in their own language too.  I think it is a little unfair to single out Americans when I doubt you are actually comparing this evenly with everyone else.\n\nThat all said, it does bother me when there are excessive amounts of misspellings.  A typo here or there, I can understand, but some I've seen are ridiculous.
416215
The very fact that you have poor english and are asking ignorant questions, tells me you aren't from here. \n \nIt's a figure of speech. For example... He has a wife, but sees another woman on the side. He wants to have both. \n\nWhy do people come in American Q&A when they are from different countries?\n\nNow, to "help you out" at the bottom of the page, click on the flag that represents your country and ask them questions.
129089
If most of the world looks at American with such disdain why do they keep coming here?  Why aren't there any hispanic countries with a decent standard of living?  Is there something about the English language that just makes people sucessful?  Why can't we have a nice country without all these foreigners coming here changing everything?  I don't think white Americans hate hispanics, we just like living in a country where we speak English.
23128
Very interesting question, my dear. There is a vast multitude of people who have little or no regard for the language arts including English as it is written and meant to be read. Nor do they wish to improve!
640752
Part of the issue is ignorance, another part is ego-centrism.  People seem to always assume when they hear two people talking in another language that the speakers must be somehow talking about the non-speakers.\n\nAnother part is that many people here feel put off  and less 'superior' if there are people speaking other languages around them.  I speak three languages other than English.  I am a LEGAL immigrant.  I take every chance to speak any of my languages as a chance to share, develop and practice skills.\n\nIt also gives me an understanding of how people think from other cultures.  If you refuse to learn other languages/deal with non-English speakers, you limit yourself.\n\nEnglish, for the most part will always be 'under attack' and will also always be the common language in the US.  As new groups come here from other countries (not just South America and the Carribean) those languages will be heard as well.  Give the current group of immigrants two generations and let's see how many still can't speak English.
517553
Because it's harder to be good.  And I don't really understand what else it is that you are trying to say.  It's kind of like it's harder for a person to learn how to write and speak proper English than it is not to so a lot of people don't.
60428
From your question and explanation, I can tell you that you have better english than half of the people who post questions on here. They make no sense, their grammar sucks and their spelling is horrible. If you want to improve your accent, well that only happens with practice. Speak as much as you can, and it will get better and better, but let me tell you that some foreigners keep their accents forever. Don't be discouraged though, accents are cute and can even be sexy :o)
104418
I have been wondering the same thing. I am appalled at the rudeness, cruel and obnoxious answers. I feel if the answer can't give some constructive answer or be kind, then they should just skip the question. Some of the questions are asked by younger people who truly don't know some very simple things. Also, there are many people from foreign countries who do not have a full command of the English lanquage...just like i don't have full command of their lanquage. I almost stopped posting one day for so many answers I saw were rude and I thought,\nI don't want to be a part of this type of behavior for I found it to be such a "downer" for our human race. I will promise you this, I will never intentionally be obnoxious, rude or cruel on this site or anywhere else for that matter.
597675
English is spoken with many different accents and one of it's beauties is that it's so flexible. Written English on the other hand should be universally understood. Regretfully experience with and exposure to regional accents is the only teacher. I always find it's better to ask immediately, if I don't understand what has been said to me. This can be done politely and is no great hardship. I'm a native English speaker and agree with you that some English accents are hard to understand initially. I think an organized class on understanding say, the American southwest accent is a little extreme. There really aren't (imho) that many differences.
448235
There are two written languages, English and American English. English is written everywhere except America. Fortunately we can usually understand each other.  There is no need to be abusive on either side. \n \nI am even learning to be tolerant towards Yahoo English, although I sometimes have no idea what the writer means.
186124
It's difficult to differentiate between those for whom English is a second language and those who simply cannot spell. I admire anyone who gives it their best shot. What I find more bothersome is the use of "chat speak". I admit that I am guilty of throwing in the old "lol" from time to time, but when I see so many people using an abbreviated version of the English language, I have to wonder if we haven't just become too lazy to use proper spelling.
255777
I have an accent, compared to the people I live around now, and they respect me. They imitate me all the time, and although annoying sometimes, it is said that imitation is the most sincerest form of flattery, so I don't mind. If anyone has less respect for me because I grew up somewhere different and talk accordingly, they can kiss my ass.
239911
I hate it when people are too lazy to use the shift key to capitalize a sentence or proper noun.  It's ridicules that there are so many spelling errors, especially since there is a spell check supplied!  I can't believe how stupid people sound here because they either don't know grammar or they don't proof read their questions!  (The grammar is directed towards native English speakers.)\n\nI believe immigrants should be able to speak at least some English.  They should know numbers, prices, directions, etc...  I can forgive grammar and don't have a problem with accents. They just need to make an effort!  Languages are very hard to learn and English is one of the hardest!  (Please, please, don't hire the "barely speaking English" immigrants for customer service type jobs, like counter help at McDonald's!)\n\nBottom line ... I frown on Americans and native English speakers who misspell, bad grammar, and poor or no punctuation when asking or answering a question.  I smile upon legal immigrants and foreigners that make an effort to learn English.  I welcome legal immigrants to the US with open arms.
666639
I would say it is. A numpty calling himself Codemap, tried to give me an English lesson and was seriously floored. He had the temerity to say he would forgive me for being stupid because had I been an English as first language speaker, I would have scripted my arguments in a more legible fashion. It didn't dawn on him that if English was not my first language, how superior my intelligence was to his because I could at least converse in a second language and all he knew was a very poor 3rd grade English. The hypocrisy and arrogance of these people is frankly baffling.
497996
Most people from other countries that speak English as a second language speak with a British accent because they are taught "British" English in school.  I have to speak very carefully with my European friends because they can't understand a word of my deep south English!  I think sometimes you can be unaware you have an accent until someone points it out to you.