3 Things International Students are Sick of Hearing at OU
The international population at Ottawa University is limited, small and diverse. But if there is one thing that all international students have in common, it is the things we are tired of hearing.
1. Yes, we know we have an accent.
You might think it is cute, but some of us actually work really hard in sounding somewhat American. Especially because of the discrimination we face in the different aspects of the professional world.
Every time someone goes, “OMG, can you say *insert word* again, your accent is the cutest” one of our brain cells dies a little. When I hear someone using the wrong past participle version of the verb, I don’t correct them because, guess what? IT’S NONE OF MY BUSINESS – and it should not be yours, either.
Don’t get me wrong, we really appreciate when someone corrects one of our words, because it is important to always improve our English. But there is a time, a way and a place to do so. Calling me out when I am telling a story I am really excited about in front of my friends is not the best place.
So, next time you want to compliment someone’s accent because you do think it is exotic and beautiful, be sensitive about it!
2. No, not all Latinos are Mexicans.
My dear people, we must educate ourselves about the different countries that exist in this huge world. Our cinnamon-colored skin, deep dark eyes and hair are not necessarily part of Mexico.
Mexico is only one country out of 20 diversely spread nations in Latin America. The same way you don’t like being called Canadian or English only because of your language, we don’t like to be called Mexicans – unless we are from there, then it’s OK.
OU has had Latin American students from El Salvador, Uruguay, Paraguay, Venezuela, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and the list goes on! Don’t limit yourself, getting to know where these students are from could be a great experience.
3. We didn’t get here riding a horse.
The most common question is, “How did you get here? – did you take a plane?” Let’s face it people: America is not the only modern country on this planet. I could imagine if someone from Mexico was asked that question due to the geographical proximity, but asking a Scottish (or any other nationality for that matter) student how they got here is just absurd.
I am not saying that it is not possible for someone to cross two continents on a boat or a car, but as I said earlier, we must educate ourselves a little of the cultural aspects of more countries around the world. Flying is a common thing nowadays, let me tell ya.
Lesson of the day…
So, here is the deal: I am not saying that asking questions is wrong. By all means: ask questions, be curious, show interest. However, you need to show some cultural sensitivity while doing so. It is normal for people to want to get to know better the customs of exotic (for you) countries.
Just read a little so you don’t offend someone’s culture. Or say, “I would love to ask you a question, please don’t be offended I just really don’t know…” Give us a heads-up, and we will be pleased to tell you about our gorgeous countries!
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
More oucampus News Articles
- The Male Gaze in the Media: A Tale of Two Harley Quinns
- The Dangers of Young Fame: A Closer Look at the D’Amelio Show
- Living off campus
- An Overwhelming Welcome
Recent oucampus News Articles
Discuss This Article
MOST POPULAR OUCAMPUS
A Safe Holiday Season By Kylee Weber
OU Student experiences plane scare on way back to Ottawa By Brynden Grow
POTW - Logan Smoot By Brynden Grow
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST OUCAMPUS NEWS
RECENT OUCAMPUS CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- A Story To Sing About
- The Gap in Gum Care: Why Caring For Your Teeth’s F...
- Top Tips for Signature Scents and Better-Smelling Laundry
- A Dog Trainer’s Top Tips to Support Pets Through Life S...
- Clear the Air of Indoor Pollutants This Spring
- Stroke & Dementia in Black Men: Tips for Staying Healthy...
- Hispanics and African Americans at Higher Risk for Eye...
- African Americans at Higher Risk for Eye Disease
- Infinity Kings: Final Book In A Favorite Fantasy Series
- What You Need To Know About Keratoconus and the iLink...
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- Don’t Let Diabetes Shortchange Your Golden Years
- No Child is Forgotten By Marine Toys for Tots
- Sweeten Your Springtime Salads With Healthy Chilean Grapes
- Young Author Translates 4,000-Year-Old Text to Reveal...
- Keeping Cool and Energy-efficient Amid America’s “...
- Addressing Sarcopenia with a Healthy Diet
- Subway’s New Wraps Elevate Eating on the Go
- Family Teacher Conference Topics Beyond Academics
- Youth Take Down Tobacco
- BookTrib’s Bites: Four Reads to Kickoff Spring
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show
- Semiconductor Research Corp unveils 2024 Research Call, $13.8M Funding
- Charles River Associates Opens Second Scholarship Cycle, Expands to the UK
- BLUMHOUSE AND AMC THEATRES LAUNCH FIRST-EVER HALFWAY TO HALLOWEEN FILM FESTIVAL
- THE GEN Z IMPERATIVE: LISTEN TO FEELINGS AND GIVE GEN Z A VOICE