What's the etiquette, On using a foreign language on the board Options

[michel richard]

We have a new member who is French (Will) and who obviously has 914 blood in his veins (plus some of his pictures show that he fits right in with this crowd). And we have a few members from Québec, who speak French as their first language (of which I am), we also have several German-speaking members (Gustl who contributes wonderful info and pictures), and a few Spanish speaking people too and doubtless a great number of others, in Asia and other parts of the world.

Is anyone going to be offended 1) if we exchange the occasional greeting in a foreign language 2) If we end up with the occasional entire thread in a foreign language, as long as it's not technical or of potential benefit to the entire community 3) If we end up with the entire thread in a foreign language, regardless of suject or content or if 4) anything goes.

I've refrained from using French in the past because the vast majority of members are English speaking and I see the 914club as a space to share, whether it's off-topic banter or hard-core 914 technical stuff. Plus our gracious hosts are American and I feel it's only basic courtesy to speak a person's language when in their house, in a way.

I think, however, that the occasional greeting in a foreign language can only help attract members from around the world who will have positive contribution to make.

Perhaps a short discussion will help us all understand what proper or acceptable practice should be.

Michel Richard
French Canadian, in Longueuil