Should foreigners use slangs?

This question popped up because just yesterday a foreigner used one of our slangs and it sounded really off and awkward. I know he was trying to blend in and sound cool but it just didn't work out. This is not the only scenario I've seen, I've seen countless of this stuff happen and most times,it doesn't go as planned in your head.

As for me,it's a yes and no in my opinion. I’d say that knowing slang is integral to comprehension but using it totally depends on the circumstances.Slang in French can be hard to keep up with as is true of all languages but the stuff that is here to stay will keep you abreast of what is being talked about. In terms of using slang then I’d say use soft slang pretty carelessly. Use taboo slang with people you know won’t mind or if you’re too drunk to care. Use the taboo words with extreme caution – only use during a fight with your French lover or if someone half-inches (pinches/takes) your drink.

The long and short of it is, If you don’t want to cause offence then be sure of the meaning, connotations and choose your audience wisely.

That's a very interesting question! I also used to think about it a lot. The problem is, if a foreigner has a poor command of a language but tries to use some local slang, it may just sound ridiculous or inappropriate. On the other hand, if a person speaks the language fluently, makes relatively few mistakes, then using slang must be a good thing.

One should probably consider some aspects of slang: if it is offensive, if people still use it and in which contexts. And maybe first try to use it in a circle of native friends, who would only laugh at you kindly, if something went wrong :)

Imo, it's almost always a bad idea. That being said, I have heard it used correctly on occasion, but those occasions are very rare indeed. I avoid slang and swearing when I learn a language. I like to be able to understand them, but just don't dare use them myself.

I don't know if it is the Caribbean vibe, but the foreigners I've met that learned how to use our slangs were fine. It made it easier to blend in for them (and to understand us) and it kind of made us proud because they took a little piece of us into them.

If I am comfortable saying it without sounding awkward I would. But if not, nope.

however, here in the Philippines, if you use our slangs, it's okay. It's fun hearing it with a different accent. lol

You got to learn it to keep yourself up to date. As a foreigner I don't use them as often, because some of the stuff just don't make that much sense to me, but at least I know the meanings, and also there are slang words that is so common that are used mostly every day in conversations.

For me its depend upon situation....If I'm going to talk to slang people maybe i will use so she can talk confidently and understandable, but if I'm talking to like my nationality no need...talk like them....  

Nursalyn, I think it works the other way around. I use my native slang almost all the time and it's easier with my people cos we understand ourselves perfectly. But a foreigner speaking it with natives will look funny no matter how hard you try. If that foreigner nails it though, he\she gets an applause from us.

Leo, "Flesh and blood didn't reveal this to you":smiley::smiley:

yeah you right Oghenekevwe, I think that too, there is a saying practice make us perfect.

Nursalyn wrote:

yeah you right Oghenekevwe, I think that too, there is a saying practice make us perfect.

Absolutely

Some dialects are almost completely slang the Arabic earnt to speak is completely different to standard Arabic . the part of Andalusia I am in they speak very offensively in a manner you could not speak to other Spaniards. when I first moved here I felt everyone hated us because they used very rude terms if I spoke to them but it took a good evening of socialising to learn they use expletives here in a friendly manner. so i guess you need to be aware of the local lingo

I am indifferent about a non native using a slang or me using a foreign slang. If it is interesting/ just right or itchy to the ears, I can't be bothered really. Just communicate or I communicate and let there be an understanding. 

Sometimes also its good to dance with the flow....means slang is better because of its sound good and make you communicate them as if you are good at it.  

I have a hypothetical situation. What if you meet someone online who writes excellent and uses slangs like he owns them. What if you set up a date to meet this person and by the time you meet him/her you realize that he/she is a foreigner? Would you still think the same?

I feel it's fine as long as you know when and where to use it.

Jess.PWinkler wrote:

I have a hypothetical situation. What if you meet someone online who writes excellent and uses slangs like he owns them. What if you set up a date to meet this person and by the time you meet him/her you realize that he/she is a foreigner? Would you still think the same?

Of course,why not? Like I said before, in the rare occasion when a foreigner uses a slang and nails it, where I come from, he gets a standing ovation.

If you meet someone online and like them , whether they are foreign shouldn't change that 

I'd say using slangs is fine tbh :D 

They are conversational piece of language and they should be seen as a little element that makes conversations fun