Languages with the most forgiving native speakers

[Ug_Caveman]

(Intended to be a light-hearted discussion! Please do not take this as an attack on any group of speakers!)

Indeed, many languages (or rather their native speakers) suffer from stereotypes that unless you speak perfection, you'll struggle significantly to win approval and they might even *gasp* switch to English and prevent you from obtaining much needed practise.

This thread is to look at the opposite side, and consider which languages have native speakers that are overjoyed to hear you've taken on the challenge of learning their mother tongue Does anyone have any particular stories in this vein where, despite obviously being a beginner (or non-native), they were met with a patient and supportive attitude from natives?

[Irena]

Native English speakers are very nice. Contrary to what lots of people say, I've had a good experience with the French. Native Spanish and Italian speakers have a very good reputation in this regard, but I have no first hand experience, since I speak no Italian and no Spanish.

[Irena]

If I may highjack this thread just a little bit: does anyone have experience with Poles? I have this secret (I suppose it's no longer that secret) wish to learn Polish. But I'd like native speakers to be nice to me... What happens if you unleash ~B1 level Polish on a native Polish speaker?

[tastyonions]

Native English speakers are very nice. Contrary to what lots of people say, I've had a good experience with the French. Native Spanish and Italian speakers have a very good reputation in this regard, but I have no first hand experience, since I speak no Italian and no Spanish.

My experiences in Italy, Spain, Peru, and Mexico confirmed the positive stereotypes about how Italian and Spanish speakers treat learners. Granted, I already had a pretty decent level by the time I went to those places, so I can't say much about how a beginner stumbling over lots of words would be received.

[garyb]

Even with my quite advanced Italian I've found that Italians in the centre and south of Italy switch to (often poor) English about half of the time. But in the North I've mostly had positive experiences, except in Veneto.

Spanish has been varied again but outside very touristy areas mostly good (this is in Spain; I've not been to Latin America). I had to give a report to police in Spanish in Madrid a few years ago which was a bit of a struggle especially since I had been waiting for several hours and was exhausted, and they were very patient with me!

South of France good, rest of France mixed.

Portugal pleasantly surprised me. My absolute-beginner Portuguese was well received a few times; sometimes warmly, sometimes not so much but still without changing to English. But I don't feel I have enough experience to generalise, and with my other languages I've found that people were often much more supportive and forgiving when I was a beginner than when I was at a decent level. But the OP did say forgiving to beginners, so this might be my most relevant experience here.

[badger]

Native English-speakers are the most tolerant without a doubt.

because they don't have the option of switching to another language?

[tastyonions]

Native English-speakers are the most tolerant without a doubt.

because they don't have the option of switching to another language? :lol:

Haha, probably true in many cases. But also because we have lots of practice listening to non-native accents.

[Lisa]

The italians (rome and north) were my favorites; they were particularly willing to try to understand my very very limited abilities. I think since so few spoke English.

[anitarrc]

In my experience "ExPat" English speakers meaning too lazy to learn the local language are not very forgiving.
Dialogue in a bank.. Gringo with local half his age girlfriend bombarding the best, most patient employee with 200 questions.

G -Why is it x$$ fee for a "complicated transaction" from my US bank to here
(neither GF nor I had ever hear the expression)

E- I don't understand, please repeat

G repeats louder

E- Sorry I don't know this word
GF improvises

G You know you should improve your English.

A few days later, the same lady solved a nightmare problem with my internet banking, one even the hotline couldn't tackle. She deserves a medal in patience with my limited knowledge of banking security

Other experience: In Malaysia, in Perlis or Kelantan, folks are incredibly patient, will explain words with gestures etc. They are genuinely delighted if you greet properly etc.
Portugal or Brasil is very similar. Although they usually switch to Spanish (or French in PT), not to English if you really don't get it.

[Le Baron]

G You know you should improve your English.

This sort of person needs horsewhipping.