Wrong Perception

Growing up I was taught English, never another word from any other language but English. Going to school wasn't a struggle for me because I spoke standard english yet though I find myself transforming the only language I know based upon situation.

Last week was my friend Jennifer's birthday and she invited me to her house for a formal dinner. As I walked in her house I immediately greeted everyone with "Hello everyone, greetings, and it's a pleasure to be here." Normally proper greetings wouldn't even jump into my head, saying "hello" would but nothing like "it's a pleasure to be here." Looking back I realized why I had to change my English, I had to change it because the idea of first impression was at stake and I wanted to be represented as an educated, respectful serious individual.

Yesterday my friends and I went out to Denny's in celebration of ending midterms. We were all around the table laughing and making jokes about one another, nothing I would do with a professor or parents present. I can get away from using proper English while I'm with my friends because I know my words like "sike and weirdo" wouldn't be counted against my personality and schooling." My personal perception wouldn't be mislead by my humorous expressions.

During the course of my life I see that even though I was taught English as a single language there are numerous ways of speaking it. I realized that in certain situations my English needs to change in order for my, thoughts and ideas to be clearly understood.