Am I impolite 'cause my status updates on Facebook are in English? :-(

[Cataholic]

I have 10 or so friends that post in dual languages. I have never thought it rude, or really, thought anything of it! It is your business how you post.

[Barbara]

Kirsten-it's your choice. When you are in a café with five German friends and one English speaking, everyone would be ready to try to speak the guest's language (that's really true for Germany in general) -and I would act like this online as well.

[Karen]

It is not impolite. There are easy translation tools available on the web for anyone who bothers to use them, and it should absolutely be up to the individual's preference what language s/he posts in!

[Kirsten]

Well, yes, I guess you're right and it's my decision. And those who don't like it are free to unsubscribe from my status updates. I mean, it's okay if they're asking me why I'm not writing in German, I'll gladly explain it to them. But some sound really rude, like my cousin yesterday whom I have added only a few days ago. His first comment was "Do you no longer speak German???", and I was like "Well, yes, I do, but half of my friends here don't". He did not reply to that, btw.

[Randi]

It's ridiculous that your cousin complains about you posting in English, it's a language most of the world know, at least Europeans, so unless it's about some specific German issue, keep posting in English.

[pomtzu]

It's your choice Kirsten, and if people don't like it - well too bad!! I'm certain you wouldn't be rude to them if the shoe was on the other foot. If any don't understand English and want to know what you're saying, there are plenty of translation tools available to them if they care to take the time to find/use them. Don't let them make you feel guilty - you're not doing anything wrong!

[Jessika]

I have a few friends from Quebec on facebook and they speak solely in French... and I know very little French. If a status or image comes up that I'm interested in seeing what they say, facebook conveniently puts a "translate" link underneath their post.... and bam - it's in English. So I don't think your German friends should be offended if you're posting in English....... I'm assuming they have the same "translate" feature that should show up under your posts to them that they can click on as well... and it's their fault if they choose not to use it.

Speak whatever language you want to!! It's just facebook As mentioned, if they REALLY want to know, there are plenty of translation tools available, not to mention the built-in one on facebook itself.