Because I’m Asian and I can remember like at least 10 instances where people in the US (Including Both White and Black people) would assume I don’t speak English before I had a chance to talk. I’ve lived in this country since 8, I speak on a native level. I wonder if there is just a subconcious “perpetual foreigner” stereotype engrained into people.
Because I sometimes feel uncomfortable. Like it just feels very awkward after I get asked that, then I speak English perfectly lol.
Generally no, and I’ll still typically try talking in English first. I’m in a pretty diverse area. There are also a lot of immigrants here but the vast majority speak English even if it’s not their native language. The only times I might suspect someone doesn’t speak English would typically revolve around the person being older, especially if they’re wearing clothes more typical of another culture. In my neighborhood we have a lot of immigrants from South Asia, mostly Indian, maybe Bangladesh or Pakistan, and some Chinese. It’s not uncommon for them to have parents visiting or moving in with them, and sometimes they don’t speak English or at least don’t feel confident enough to respond beyond a smile and wave if I greet them in passing while on a walk. Especially with the people from South Asia they’ll typically be wearing more traditional clothing, flowing and robe-like. I am more likely to just smile and nod with them than try to have a conversation that might make them uncomfortable.