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Is it rude to reply using English under posts in a language you can’t speak? (lemmy.blahaj.zone)

submitted 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I often reply under Japanese posts, and I always assume users will use a translator as I do, but maybe in the context of a Japanese instance or conversation this may look rude?

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 days ago

I've had more conversations than I can count with people I would never be able to talk to in person, all using our own native languages.

The original posts are in English, people comment in their native language, and I use a translator, then respond in my own language. Is the translator perfect? No! Neither is theirs.

With the way most translators I've used work, it's easier for the non-native speaker to try translating, since the translator might try and use different words that entirely change the meaning, but likely list possible alternatives. A native e speaker will understand the alternatives while a non-native speaker probably won't.

That's my thought process anyway.

Never had anyone who wasn't pearl-clutching or virtue-signaling complain about it. And I've had tons of conversations with people I'd never have talked to otherwise.