My old mate has forgotten how to speak English

[chookey]

I've known this guy for over 15 years and we have worked and socialised together. His son met his Danish partner online and moved to Denmark to be with her. Once he became established he secured a job for his Dad who then moved there 2 years ago.

We lost touch until I bumped into him last weekend. His English was broken and he sounded like a foreigner with only a slight grasp of our language. Initially I was taken aback by it and thought he was definitely putting it on. I felt uncomfortable listening to him and didn't chat with him too long.

He was never strong minded but that shocked me. It isn't as though he's isolated in Denmark with no English speakers, his son lives close by, is his superior at work and they socialise regularly. I don't believe it's possible to lose your native tongue, especially in so short a time.

My family moved to England from Scotland when I was 10. The kids at school had trouble understanding me so I had to temper my accent which was a slow process. When I speak to my family or Scottish friends my accent comes straight back like a switch, nothing intended and I'm totally unaware of it unless my English friends comment on it.

 

[K]

Very strange, I very much doubt you'd lose your native tongue at all let alone in 15 years.. do you think he could be pulling your leg or acting to look "good infront of his friends"??

 

[chookey]

He "lost" it in 2 years K. He overused the word Denmark in our shortish conversation so I think it may be some sort of silly ego thing. I had heard from another friend who seen him on a previous visit some months ago that he spoke funny but it has to be heard to be believed.

He is 62 years old so you would imagine he'd have more pride than try to deceive former friends. I say former as I'm embarrassed to now class him a friend. He's either faking it (very well by the way) or he is the most suggestible person ever. A stage hypnotist would probably pay to have someone like him as their victim.

I just feel I no longer know him. I missed him for those 2 years but when he stood next to me he felt further away than ever.

 

[sneaker]

Sometimes You have to to say goodbye to old friends and move on, it has happened to Me, people that I have known most of my life turned out to be not who I thought they were. It is slightly sad, however I've not changed and if they decide they want Me in there lives I'll be there, I would advise you to do the same....(You haven't changed).

 

[silverdale]

It reminds me of Steve McClaren after his spell as a manager in the Dutch League