The Third Language

Imagine two people from two different countries talking to each other, using a language that is neither of their native languages. Let 's just call it the third language. What's the feeling of these two speakers? Are they afraid of making mistakes? Would you worry about not being understood by each other your speaking partner...?

Today I came across this situation. My friend was trying to make a joke, but when he told it out, he thought that one word was maybe is a little rude; which I thought it was not and I got what he wanted to express, but he was still trying hard to explain himself and was so afraid that I might misunderstand him.

Actually, you'd call this third language the lingua franca.  This is simply the language of exchange in a given context.  For example, if I meet a Russian who doesn't speak English (I don't speak Russian) and we realise we both speak Italian, then Italian is our lingua franca.

What were the languages in your situation?

There is a certain level of mental editing when you talk to someone who doesn't speak the same way you do (and this includes native English speakers from different countries - I won't use my natural Aussie way of speaking with non-Aussies.. no point, really). Normally the exchange is kept fairly straightforward, and the speakers pay attention to each other to see how far the dialogue can develop. I think your friend was brave to try a joke in a second language, but we can't always expect to convey our intention perfectly if we're still unsure about the second language. We just do what we can, try to help the other speaker, and hope they will do the same for us. :)

The Third Language

Two people from two different countries talk to each other using a language that is none of their neither's native languages tongue. Let's just call it the third language. What's the feeling of these two speakers? Are they afraind afraid of making mistakes? Will you they worry about not being understood by each other......
Today I met this same kind of situation. My friend was trying to make a joke, but when as soon as he spoke it out, he thought that the word maybe is was a little rude. which I thought it was did not think so, and I got what he wanted to express, but he was still trying hard to explain himself and was so afraid that I might misunderstand him.