Loud phone person

Loud Phone Conversations

As a second-generation immigrant, I truly appreciate the multicultural diversity of London.

That said, I can’t help but notice that many people who speak English as a second language tend to have quite loud phone conversations. It’s not just that they speak loudly — I often hear them using the speakerphone in public spaces as well.

I bring up the language aspect because I rarely see native English speakers doing this; instead, it’s something I encounter almost daily while using public transport.

Is there a reason for this? I’m genuinely curious to know if I’m missing something.

What I’ve observed is an interesting phenomenon on London’s public transport, and it’s understandable to be curious about it. While it’s difficult to pinpoint a single, definitive reason for the behaviour noticed, there are several potential factors that could contribute to why some people who speak English as a second language might have louder phone conversations or use speakerphone in public.

Here are a few possibilities, drawing on cultural, linguistic, and practical considerations:

• Varying Cultural Norms Around Public Speaking: Different cultures have different norms regarding appropriate volume and privacy in public spaces. In some cultures, speaking loudly or having open conversations in public might be more common and less frowned upon than in others. What might be considered disruptive in one cultural context could be perfectly normal in another. Immigrants bring these ingrained cultural habits with them.
• Acoustic Challenges and Perception of Volume:
  • Auditory Feedback: When speaking a non-native language, individuals might unconsciously raise their voices to better hear themselves and ensure they are being understood. This is a common strategy when there’s a slight delay in processing or a less intuitive grasp of the phonetics.
  • Perceived vs. Actual Volume: There might be a disconnect between the speaker’s perceived volume and how loud they are actually speaking. Their internal “normal” volume might be higher than what is considered polite in the UK.
  • Accent and Intonation: While not directly about volume, a less familiar accent or intonation pattern can sometimes perceive as louder to a native listener, even if the actual decibel level isn’t significantly higher.
• Practical Reasons for Speakerphone Use:
  • Group Conversations: Speakerphone is often used when multiple people are involved in a call on one end, which can be common for families or groups coordinating activities.
  • Accessibility/Comfort: For some, holding a phone to the ear for extended periods might be uncomfortable, or they might prefer to keep their hands free, especially if they are also carrying bags or managing children.
  • Hearing Difficulties: While not exclusive to non-native speakers, some individuals might have hearing difficulties and find speakerphone necessary to follow a conversation clearly, especially in noisy environments like public transport.
• Connectivity and Technology Use: In some parts of the world, speakerphone use might be more prevalent due to varying mobile network quality, where it might be easier to maintain a clear connection on speaker. Also, in some cultures, the smartphone is more integrated into daily life as a central communication hub, leading to more varied uses in public.
• Lack of Awareness of Local Norms: While many immigrants are very aware of and adapt to local customs, some might simply not be aware that loud phone conversations or speakerphone use on public transport is generally considered impolite in the UK. They might not have received direct feedback, or it might not be a high priority for them amidst other aspects of adapting to a new country.

It’s important to remember that these are general observations and potential explanations, and individual behaviour can vary greatly. Your experience highlights the fascinating interplay between culture, language, and social norms in a diverse city like London.

Let’s keep the conversation respectful—no negativity, please. Thanks!