In Reply to: Sometimes I found myself posted by Spudzilla on Saturday, 6. August 2005 at 23:48 Bali Time:
I have no idea why I do it, but I often find myself talking in broken Englsh (to varying degrees) to the Balinese. I absolutely adore the Balinese people, am quite aware they are neither deaf nor stupid (far from it) and like yourself, the last thing I would want to do is be condescending or patronising in any way.
In my own defense I must tell you all that this quirk of mine is not limited to broken English - put me with a New Zealander, South African, Welshman, anyone with a strong accent, and in no time I find myself speaking with a bit of an accent too. Leave me with these people long enough an I adopt certain words or expressions from their language.
I do not do any of this intentionally - I myself think it is a strange thing to do - I have my own well-defined personality and culture - but before I know it ... off I go.
So, for anyone who hears me doing this in Bali, please don't slam me as an ignorant, rude Aussie - I'm not - just kindly remind me that I'm doing it again, maybe give me a gentle slap around the ears, and I'll try to stop.