English* as an occasionally foreign language?

RoxanneToto · Sep 03, 2020 at 02:58 AM

So, I’ve noticed something kind of weird but not sure if it’s just me or if anyone else experiences it. Sometimes when others talk to me, their words become sort of muffled or scrambled in my brain and I can’t work out what they just said to me. I can hear them perfectly fine, but I don’t know what they actually said and sometimes can’t even work it out after they repeat themselves more clearly.
It’s only an occasional ‘blip’ on my part, but it’s so embarrassing when it happens. I mean how do you explain you’re not deaf but sometimes don’t understand plain English?

My hearing is fine, I’m also usually looking at their face or at least their mouth when this happens, not that I can really lip read or anything lol.
*or your mother tongue, if you’re not a native English speaker.

Yzen · Sep 03, 2020 at 10:21 AM

Maybe your thoughts are interfering with the other person's voice. I have had times when I am thinking through something in my mind and can't seem to focus to comprehend what the other person is saying. It is usually when I am anxious or stressed.

Also, if there are other voices in the area, it makes it more difficult for me to focus on one person's voice.

RoxanneToto · Sep 03, 2020 at 10:38 AM

Could be, it’s only happened a handful of times but I can’t remember what was going on in my head or how noisy it was. Thanks! I think I’ve been so isolated in myself I’m losing perspective of what’s normal and what isn’t, as well. I know it’s safe to ask, here, though!

WovenGalaxy · Sep 04, 2020 at 09:14 PM

I can so relate to this. For me, its almost like I lose focus, or they are talking too fast for my mind to slowly process the meaning of what they're saying. It happens all the time for me, lol. And often I say "uh huh" or nod like I'm listening, bc I hear the tone behind the words. An "uh huh" can also give my brain a chance to catch up and recognize what was actually said.

RoxanneToto · Sep 05, 2020 at 04:05 PM

That’s a handy tactic! For me it’s like they’re literally talking a foreign language until my brain can parse things out. Sometimes I fail completely and have to come up with an excuse to get out of dodge 😂

avlady · Sep 06, 2020 at 04:51 AM

sometimes i'll hear people repeating themselves and i dont want to listen to it or i just cant be bothered to, not that i don't want to be nice, but just that it's boring.

WovenGalaxy · Sep 06, 2020 at 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avlady

sometimes i'll hear people repeating themselves and i dont want to listen to it or i just cant be bothered to, not that i don't want to be nice, but just that it's boring.

My Mom repeats herself a lot and when I'm overwhelmed I can't be bothered to listen. Lol.

Fury · Sep 27, 2020 at 12:00 AM

Hope THIS helps

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English* as an occasionally foreign language?

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Yzen Magnate Member Since Apr 2016 Location: North America Posts: 2,168 7 4,766 hugs given	Sep 03, 2020 at 10:21 AM #2 Maybe your thoughts are interfering with the other person's voice. I have had times when I am thinking through something in my mind and can't seem to focus to comprehend what the other person is saying. It is usually when I am anxious or stressed. Also, if there are other voices in the area, it makes it more difficult for me to focus on one person's voice.
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RoxanneToto Grand Poohbah Member Since Aug 2020 Location: England Posts: 1,692 3 6,991 hugs given	Sep 03, 2020 at 10:38 AM #3 Could be, it’s only happened a handful of times but I can’t remember what was going on in my head or how noisy it was. Thanks! I think I’ve been so isolated in myself I’m losing perspective of what’s normal and what isn’t, as well. I know it’s safe to ask, here, though!
	Reply With Quote

RoxanneToto Grand Poohbah Member Since Aug 2020 Location: England Posts: 1,692 3 6,991 hugs given	Sep 05, 2020 at 04:05 PM #5 That’s a handy tactic! For me it’s like they’re literally talking a foreign language until my brain can parse things out. Sometimes I fail completely and have to come up with an excuse to get out of dodge 😂
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avlady Wise Elder Community Liaison Member Since Jan 2013 Location: angola ny Posts: 9,786 (SuperPoster!) 11 28.8k hugs given	Sep 06, 2020 at 04:51 AM #6 sometimes i'll hear people repeating themselves and i dont want to listen to it or i just cant be bothered to, not that i don't want to be nice, but just that it's boring.
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Fury Member Member Since Oct 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 84 14 3 hugs given	Sep 27, 2020 at 12:00 AM #8 Hope THIS helps __________________ "I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant."
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