Learn to speak English!

Which English? Not only are there differences among English-speaking countries, there are regional differences within each one! Plus, the US does NOT have an official language! If we did, which one should we adopt? I recommend Cockney rhyming slang.

Most Americans have very little exposure to anything outside of their parochial circle. They'd be lost if they thought all British people spoke the Queen's English (blame PBS for that!). I have heard so many people who have never traveled outside of the United States, or possibly even outside of their own state, complain that "foreigners" need to learn to speak English. Their English is fine. You just don't understand them because they speak with an accent. Try visiting a different state and see how well you do! I recommend listening to someone with a thick Scottish brogue (actually, there is no ONE Scottish accent, either). That's English, but not as you know it.

What they're saying is, you're not White, you don't look like us, you speak funny, and I don't care if you have a PhD and you are the preeminent expert in your field. You don't look like us and you don't speak like us, so you're not one of us. And if you do speak "perfect English," they "compliment" you with "you speak English so well!" We just can't win, can we?

So, reader, I am asking for your stories. Have you witnessed this type of microaggression? How do you think it should be addressed?

As always, please keep it civil and relevant. I promise I will refrain from commenting on your experience, but I might be curious enough to ask questions to better understand your story.