“Your English is very good.” No offense? Re-blogged from African in American

Written by Fi.

 As a rising college junior in the US from Zimbabwe, my experiences make me feel like I have an idea of life as an International student but not quite enough to know how to react.

Mine would be the typical story, left home at young age of 19, first time away from home and first time in America.  So everything was literally fresh throughout freshman year. From the time I was asked whether Zimbabwe is an island or more in the Middle East, to the first time I tried to explain the concepts of braids to my Chinese roommate. I have also been learning that Asian seems more appropriate to say, but who knows with Politically Correctness.

Last week I had one of those days at work. I am a tour guide in the admissions office, but also student representative and office assistant. Pretty much any legal job that’s available in the building I can do it! This particular day I was leading a tour, halfway through, a young mother (at least 45) felt she could not conceal her curiosity any longer so she asked. I always know when it comes; on average I get 2 of those in a work week.

“How come your English is so good? Did you come to the US so fluent? And your accent sounds so English like from Scotland.” The last one was more of a statement than a question. Then it was my turn to react.

I paused, took a deep breath and I smiled.

“Well actually I did, I grew up speaking English and Shona and I learnt both pretty much at the same time. English is our official language in Zimbabwe where I am from. We are a former British colony, so that may explain the “accent”.   All 6 years in High school and 7 in elementary school I learnt in English. So the answer is yes.”

“Oh I didn’t know.”

“Yes it is. Moving on with the tour….”

This has become my automated response now. People who know me very well will also know that deep down I am enraged by this and I try not to be offended when it happens.

So my question is should I take offense at these remarks? Must I let it slide, or how do some seasoned Africans in America react to situations like this?

Freshman year, I used to cry foul about how Americans were not being sensitive about others and how they chose to be ignorant and horrible at basic Geography down to continents, the bla bla bla list is endless. Now that is slowly changing. From classes in American History, Anthropology, and day to day to experience, I have learned that a lot goes into the 2 minute encounter I have with parents and prospective students. I have also realized that for those who ask some simply do not know, some honestly want to know and some choose not to know. Freshman year  I had a hall mate who even after a year was still adamant I was from Jamaica, and asked me questions about it.

The spectrum is broad, and we all like to talk about it at our African students’ gatherings, dinners and get together events. It makes great cab conversation too. Seriously though, how does one react? Is there something we can do about it to make the experiences better for other African International students as well as other international students? Is it even our duty?