We often watch monolingual speakers stop, stutter, and look puzzled when they are unable to find the right word to express their thoughts. Bilingual speakers, however, have the advantage of falling back on their other language when they are at a loss for words in the language they are using. While this might seem like a convenience, I argue that it is, unfortunately, a habit that can lead to confusion and even be considered impolite.
For monolingual listeners, a foreign word or phrase can be completely unintelligible, forcing them to either interrupt the flow of conversation to ask for clarification or silently grapple with their linguistic limitations. This situation can feel exclusionary and unfair, as it places an undue burden on the listener to navigate a conversation happening in multiple languages. In this sense, language mixing can be seen as inconsiderate to those who do not share the same linguistic abilities.
If someone is bilingual in English and Spanish, I suggest they speak either language as if they did not know the other. The goal should be to communicate as clearly and inclusively as possible, without giving the listener any indication that another language is available to fall back on. If the speaker cannot find the exact word they are seeking, they should make do with the resources available in the language they are using or find another way to express their thoughts. By sticking to one language at a time, we can ensure that all participants in a conversation feel respected and included.
So, the next time you are tempted to slip into another language mid-sentence, consider the potential impact on your listener. Let's aim for communication that bridges gaps, rather than creates them.
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