I just noticed that in earlier seasons with these two that their conversations with each other were always in Spanish. Watching it now she more often than not speaks to him in English but he still speaks to her in Spanish. Does he understand English but won’t use it? Am I missing something here? These two make my brain hurt.
They’ve mentioned him taking English lessons and trying to learn earlier (maybe this season). It’s very common for speaking to be the hardest part of learning a new language. On top of that, most people likely feel more comfortable, especially in conflict, speaking in their native language. That’s also why Danielle switches back to English when she’s angry.
He probably understands more than he can speak just by having been around someone who speaks English.
My partner speaks to me in Spanish and I reply in English a lot. I can understand more than I can speak.
(We also speak in English a lot too as he’s bilingual)
Also remember Daniele doesn’t have a wide vocabulary in Spanish. I think she speaks English sometimes because she doesn’t know the words in Spanish.
But also hopefully after months/years with her he’s picking up some English though he may not have confidence speaking it all the time.
As a person who speaks four languages I can say that speaking a language is the most challenging part of learning a new language. You usually obtain reading and hearing comprehension to a certain degree before you reach the capability to speak it.
So he probably understands a whole lot of english.
I agree with this. My husband’s first language is Spanish and I read and comprehend it damn near fluently; however, my ability to speak fluent Spanish is less than impressive.
Omg, I bow to you, Polygot! I love language and desperately want to learn more (I’m barely bilingual 😅). If you don’t mind, which 3 do you speak besides English? And how did you come to learn them?
Pay attention to what she says whenever she goes from Spanish to English, and when it always happens (arguments, VISA appointments, counseling). She’s strategic about it. Although I’m sure Yohan understands at least some of it.