Safin was showing off in the finals

Rickson

G.O.A.T.
There was no need for Safin to bust out his Spanish with the Portuguese chair umpire who has no problem with his English. Safin struck up a few conversations in Spanish with the umpire to show off and I found it sickening.
 

Vlad

Professional
Maybe the fact that he knows Spanish much better than English has something to do with that?
 
Rickson said:
There was no need for Safin to bust out his Spanish with the Portuguese chair umpire who has no problem with his English. Safin struck up a few conversations in Spanish with the umpire to show off and I found it sickening.

Why he's spoken Spanish longer than he has English, deal with it and get a life.
 

Rickson

G.O.A.T.
Chopin said:
Why did it sicken you?
The chair umpire speaks English and so does Safin. I was sickened because there was no need to speak Spanish to him at all. I speak Spanish, but don't speak it to my latin friends because I don't want to offend them. If the umpire didn't speak English at all, it might have been understandable, but his English is just as good as his Spanish, if not better.
 

hummer23

Hall of Fame
if safin can put an argument together better in spanish than english, then its not our place to judge that. mabe he felt the ump would trake him more personally or seriously if he spoke spanish. we certainly cant judge him on that.
 

Max G.

Legend
Spanish is the language that Safin spoke throughout his life, since he trained in Spain. It makes sense that he is more fluent with Spanish than with English.
 

bc-05

Semi-Pro
no it doesnt.. we cant understand it so what? safin should speak english.. we never know what he's saying to the umpire.. what if he say hey gimme a point and ill b*** u later
 

Max G.

Legend
bc-05 said:
no it doesnt.. we cant understand it so what? safin should speak english.. we never know what he's saying to the umpire.. what if he say hey gimme a point and ill b*** u later

Frankly, when Safin is speaking to the umpire, he cares about COMMUNICATING WITH THE UMPIRE.

He is better with Spanish than English.
The umpire understands Spanish and English equally well, or so I'd assume.

You want him to speak in a language he's not comfortable with for your sake?

He'll do that in the post-match speech, in the interviews. Not when he's on the court in the heat of the match.
 

Phil

Hall of Fame
Fedrickson - Are you still TROLLING these days? If you think that speaking Spanish to your "Latin" friends (that is, if your Spanish is any good) will offend them, then you are completely ignorant of international communication. Or this may just be a cop-out because you're afraid or embarrassed to squawk in Spanish. In any case, if you ever did speak Sp. to your friends they would probably be thrilled that you've made the effort to learn their language. But, your attitude is not surprising-you and ignorance together are as seamless as the cut of a Brooks Bros. suit.

Neither Safin's nor the chair umpire's native language is English. Safin speaks fluent Spanish and the chair speaks it too (most Portuguese do-the languages are very close in structure). What's the big deal, if he's more comfortable in Spanish? You're also probably the kind of person (and they DO exist) who think that two "fer-ners" speaking together in their own language in a public place, are "rude" because YOU can't understand them (hey, Fedrickson, psst, psst, they're probably talking about YOU!!!). Yeah, right. Dude, just stay put on Lon-GI-l'nd, speaking your own form of gibberish.
 

bb47

Rookie
Yes, it's a tricky one.

On one hand everyone knows that Safin always addresses to Spanish/Portugese umpires in Spanish. Safin's Spanish is way better than his English. He also (me thinks) regards it as a matter of courtesy to the person to use the language that person is most comfortable with, (as far as Safin could guess.)

On the other hand he puts an umpire in a very awkward position, since the other player may only guess what they are talking about. Basically there are three persons involved in the game and it really is a bit rude to choose one language which only two of them understand. I think every umpire would much prefer this kind of exchanges to be open for all involved.

Having said that, on that particular occasion Safin was pi$$ed off with Hewitt bullying linesmen and might have thought that it would be too provoking to say it in English.

Then again there are no rules nor any partucular ethiquette about using different languages on court, and the idea that everyone should always speak English may seem ridiculous to the players from non-English speaking countries.

Again Safin might have been so nervous and tense he just started talking Spanish withought giving it a thought.

And who knows maybe they met the day before somewhere in the pub and the umpire greeted him in Spanish.

And bear in mind that what Safin allows himself shouting in Russian during the match may be much more offensive for some viewers that any Spanish conversation.

And to make it all short - this is all so insignificant and pointless, we should not reaaly disscuss it here.;-)
 

bb47

Rookie
Phil, speaking to you foreign friends in their native language may be either flattering or arrogant, depending on situation. If they start speaking English - do not switch to their language if you know it well. They might think that you do not like their English and think that your {Spanish} is better. It will be even worse if your {Spanish} is not 100 per cent. But if you are the first to choose the language and speak fluent - go for their native one - they will be impressed and flattered. Well? that's obvious, sorry if it looks like a lesson.
 
S

splink779

Guest
I think it is awesome when people (not just tennis players) can communicate in another language, especially fluently. I have tons of respect for something like that. It was cool when Safin busted out his spanish, and it was clear that he was much more fluent in spanish than english. I remember Courier knew fluent french and I know Fed knows 4 languages or something. I think Coria and Nadal need to learn some more english.
 

Gatsby007

New User
That's just ridiculous. I have to chime in...Rickson, you have just clinched the "biggest bag" award for '05 and it's only Feb 1.... "Biggest Bag O' ******" that is :)
 

AAAA

Hall of Fame
Safin was playing Hewitt in Australia in front of a mostly Austrialian crowd. If Safin was voicing a complaint about Hewitt to the umpire do you think he was being dumb by using a language the majority of the crowd couldn't understand?

The umpire was Portuguese. Was Safin speaking Portuguese?
 

Rickson

G.O.A.T.
Gatsby007 said:
That's just ridiculous. I have to chime in...Rickson, you have just clinched the "biggest bag" award for '05 and it's only Feb 1.... "Biggest Bag O' ******" that is :)
You again? Just get your ass out of here, loser.
 

Rickson

G.O.A.T.
AAAA said:
The umpire was Portuguese. Was Safin speaking Portuguese?
Now that makes a lot of sense. Finally, a sensible poster steps up. Quadruple A and bc-05 have made the most sense so far.
 

Saito

Professional
purely my opinion

hey guys,

Just wanted to add my two cents in.... when I met Marat down here during tennis masters we spoke right away with each other in Spanish. He seemed to be very well spoken in it as well so..... I didn't hear him speak English so I have now say as to whether or not it is good. Flame this if you want (no harm done:D ) but this is just my opinion. It's not like I don't understand what you are saying..... just that I can say that his Spanish is excellent. :lol:
 

Phil

Hall of Fame
bb47 said:
Phil, speaking to you foreign friends in their native language may be either flattering or arrogant, depending on situation. If they start speaking English - do not switch to their language if you know it well. They might think that you do not like their English and think that your {Spanish} is better. It will be even worse if your {Spanish} is not 100 per cent. But if you are the first to choose the language and speak fluent - go for their native one - they will be impressed and flattered. Well? that's obvious, sorry if it looks like a lesson.

No apologies necessary for your "lesson". It's a judgement call, really. If you speak Spanish (or any language) WELL, but your friend chooses to start off the conversation in English, then of course you stay with English. And if YOU start the conversation in your friend's native language, that's really the language that should follow, and in most cases, your friends APPRECIATE the opportunity to speak with a foreigner who is conversant in their language. I haven't offended anyone yet by following these simple rules. And don't forget, ettiquette has to work BOTH ways. I've followed this rule of thumb for many years and find that it works. International communication/cultural exchange is as much about common sense as it is about knowledge of the language/culture.
 

bb47

Rookie
Phil said:
No apologies necessary for your "lesson". It's a judgement call, really. If you speak Spanish (or any language) WELL, but your friend chooses to start off the conversation in English, then of course you stay with English. And if YOU start the conversation in your friend's native language, that's really the language that should follow, and in most cases, your friends APPRECIATE the opportunity to speak with a foreigner who is conversant in their language. I haven't offended anyone yet by following these simple rules. And don't forget, ettiquette has to work BOTH ways. I've followed this rule of thumb for many years and find that it works. International communication/cultural exchange is as much about common sense as it is about knowledge of the language/culture.

Actually it's same as I have said. Only here it's more fluently said.
 

arosen

Hall of Fame
That portugese official and Safin have known each other since Safin was training in Spain as a juniour. In other words, they have known each other forever. Why on earh would Safin want to speak English to him? Especially given the fact that his English is poor and in the moments of anguish like the one in question he would much rather express himself in a language that he knows best. Its a psychological issue, all of us under pressure would speak the language we know best. If Safin could speak Russian, he would, but noone can speak it on tour except for the players. Spanish was a natural choice. Case closed.
 

Vince

Rookie
This has to be the stupidest topic ive ever seen. How was Safin showing off?

Jesus he freaking talked to the chair umpire in SPANISH. A LANGUAGE that Safin is BEST at. Tell me how the hell is he showing off when hes simply trying to communicate in a language he can speak very well?

Don't troll about stupid things.
 

Saito

Professional
agreed

Agreed guys,

This topic does have very little meaning. Just posted to talk about my experience in meeting Marat. But to each his own I guess..... :|
 

Rabbit

G.O.A.T.
Well, I guess that damn Jim Courier should be slapped in irons for addressing the French in French when he won the French the second time. The French, known for their hospitality to Americans, were just being overly polite when they gave him a standing ovation for addressing them in French. And then, Courier had the nerve to address them in French again the next year when he lost to Bruguera! Again, they were overly polite.

Ilie Nastase was warned about using English and vulgar language. He respected that and began a verbal assault of his opponent in Italian. Only problem was, his opponent was Italian.

Safin dares to have a conversation with a guy from Portugal in Spanish? Why in the world would two people who spoke Spanish fluently speak it to each other? They should always use a language that they don't know just to show that they are not showing off. I too am outraged. He should have spoken to the man in Portuguese. Never mind that Portugal and Spain border each other and that Safin spent most of his life in Spain. Never mind that had Safin complained in English he'd have probably turned the crowd against him. I was up close to Safin at Indian Wells, the guy's English is fluent as well. From what I understand, he speaks 5 languages fluently.

On the flip side, Safin was not showing off his oratory skills, rather his tennis. I think he did just fine.
 

juu

New User
Rickson said:
I speak Spanish, but don't speak it to my latin friends because I don't want to offend them.
Either you or your friends need to work on that situation as it is absurd.
 
D

Deleted member 3771

Guest
'sickening' ? How can something as harmless as speaking another language, have such an impact on you?
 

verdasco67

Professional
TheNatural said:
'sickening' ? How can something as harmless as speaking another language, have such an impact on you?


yeah...i mean whats the problem? theres nothing wrong with speaking spanish with the umpire...weird...
 

the_arod

Rookie
safin just didn't want us all to hear what the discussion was about so he choose spanish. And he's got the freakin' right to do so what the hell are you worrying about :mad:
 

Roforot

Hall of Fame
Agree w/ the fellow who said Safin was being smart for using a language that the Australian crowd couldn't understand. If he was showing off though, it was by bringing Dasha to the game...
 

pound cat

G.O.A.T.
I think you're right, Roforot. "No more dumb blondes for me" although he was seen drinking with a "statuesque blonde with high boots" after the Federer match. He's the envy of millions of men worldwide.
 

Rickson

G.O.A.T.
Nosoupforyou said:
Rickson's just pissed off at Safin for beating Federer. This was his best attempt to discredit Safin.
I give Marat his just due for his victory over Roger, but the Spanish was still unnecessary. Roger's gonna win the French.
 

Rabbit

G.O.A.T.
But wait....let's say Federer does win the French this year. Would he be showing off if he addressed the crowd in French ala Safin? Should he address the crowd in, I don't know, Afrikaaner as not to offend them? Inquiring minds want to know.
 

verdasco67

Professional
Rickson said:
I give Marat his just due for his victory over Roger, but the Spanish was still unnecessary. Roger's gonna win the French.



i dont get why you care so much about him speaking spanish......i mean who cares...?
 

Rickson

G.O.A.T.
Rabbit said:
But wait....let's say Federer does win the French this year. Would he be showing off if he addressed the crowd in French ala Safin? Should he address the crowd in, I don't know, Afrikaaner as not to offend them? Inquiring minds want to know.
Roger's from Switzerland and he's playing in front of a French crowd. Marat was playing in front of Australians. Marat had no reason whatsoever to carry on a Spanish conversation with a Portuguese official other than to show off. Roger will probably give his championship speech in English and French.
 

Power Game

Professional
Rickson said:
Roger's from Switzerland and he's playing in front of a French crowd. Marat was playing in front of Australians. Marat had no reason whatsoever to carry on a Spanish conversation with a Portuguese official other than to show off. Roger will probably give his championship speech in English and French.

Ok, because you know exactly what he was thinking. :roll: Showing off during a huge match, I mean, It's not like he as any talent or tennis skills that he has been showing off or anything :roll:
 

rhubarb

Hall of Fame
Rickson said:
Roger's from Switzerland and he's playing in front of a French crowd. Marat was playing in front of Australians. Marat had no reason whatsoever to carry on a Spanish conversation with a Portuguese official other than to show off. Roger will probably give his championship speech in English and French.

Not really a fair comparison there (I know you were only responding to Rabbit). Marat gave his speech in English; he only spoke to the umpire in Spanish. It's more akin to Roger speaking German to an umpire at Roland Garros.
 

Rabbit

G.O.A.T.
fedRickson said:
Roger's from Switzerland and he's playing in front of a French crowd. Marat was playing in front of Australians. Marat had no reason whatsoever to carry on a Spanish conversation with a Portuguese official other than to show off. Roger will probably give his championship speech in English and French.

The conversation that I saw Marat have with the chair was subdued. He was trying not to draw attention to himself as that would draw the ire of the crowd. Your insistence that he was showing off is really more sour grapes that he pulled out a can of whoop ass on Federer. Face it, Federer will lose again, and more than once; possibly more than once in the same month!

And again, I predict that a player from South America will win the French this year. Either that or Tim Henman will finally end his drought ! :)


rhubarb said:
Not really a fair comparison there (I know you were only responding to Rabbit). Marat gave his speech in English; he only spoke to the umpire in Spanish. It's more akin to Roger speaking German to an umpire at Roland Garros.

Then I guess the real question here is.....if Federer plays a match at the French and he has a German umpire and he speaks to the German umpire in German, would he then be showing off as well? Or should Federer speak to the German umpire in a language that neither of them are comfortable with just to prove that he's not as fluent in every language thereby not showing off?
 

chad shaver

Semi-Pro
Rickson,

I speak Spanish as well, and my Spanish speaking friends have NEVER been offended by my Spanish.

Regarding everything else you said: I always thought you were a bit tweaked, but THIS takes it to a new level.
 

Rickson

G.O.A.T.
chad shaver said:
Rickson,

I speak Spanish as well, and my Spanish speaking friends have NEVER been offended by my Spanish.

Regarding everything else you said: I always thought you were a bit tweaked, but THIS takes it to a new level.
Trust me, chad. Many posters here feel you're more than a bit "tweaked".
 
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