Jones,
True enough. I think it valuable as well to mention in addition to those other languages you named, that all too often the double-standard of 'practicing' vs. 'speaking' a language rears its head. Frequently, in certain countries, e.g. Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands etc., the inhabitants will rarely give a non-native, even if fluent in their language, as much as a chance to speak, yet will instantly switch to English. When this happened to yours truly, I responded "Oh, fine! So, you'd like to practice your English as well?", I was met with a smug, cold irritation: "Practice?! I think I speak English quite well, thank you very much!"
My answer: "Yes, and you seem to be a majority of one." The person was speechless.
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