Trying to figure out the protocol for asking this these days...funny

You have to ask them in a nice way, such as you love their accent, it is so lovely or if you are at their house and they have a native dish, to ask them where they came from I really love that or what is it called? Then they will tell you their nationality. You have to make them willing to tell you and show interest in that particular thing that is native to their country. For me, it would be cooking. Oh and if they do not have an accent, you should not ask them about their nationality, but if they stilll have an accent, you can ask how long have you been over here - exception being old people because they tend to keep their accent.s

You wouldn't think they would have a problem with you asking but you never know since some people are so touchy. Maybe if you start the conversation as I'm curious what nationality are you.Maybe they will take it better. I don't know though. Very good question!

I wondered the same thing about my pain management doctor, but I didn't want to ask because I thought it might be rude. So I looked up his name online. And I found out he got his first degree in Alexandria, Egypt. That made a lot of sense to me. He looked from the Middle East (I know, Egypt is in Africa), but he didn't have the stocky build or the really tan skin I see from other Middle Eastern doctors. He was taller than I'd normally see fromt here, and his skin wasn't as dark. So I found out without having to ask him.

I have often asked nurses who had a different accent where they were from. I often started the conversation talking about the things I had done and places I had gone since I had taught English in China for over two years. I guess it depends on how you ask the question. If you have a conversational tone and talk about other things first, it probably wouldn't be taken as anything but genuine interest. I don't know where a name like that would be from, but my guess is probably Pakistan or somewhere in that general part of the world.

I love to learn about other countries and other culturesw so I think it´s ok to ask as long as you ask politely. Of course I´m speaking for myself. Even though I cannot say that there´s no prejudices in my country, I think that it´s next to nothing with what I have seen in the US (and I´m not only talking about now, post 9/11). I imagine that´s where you have to paly by ear

I see no reason why it would be so wrong not to ask!!...ask away the only way to learn something right :)

Could be the Middle East or Pakistani too. You are right. I am proud to be an Indian and in certain situations wouldn't mind being asked directly what my nationality is. But sometimes, I feel there's a certain sentiment accompanying the question and I'm not sure how my Indian nationality will be taken. I'm sure it might worse for some Moslims or Middle easterners in America.

hi bunnybon I had wondered Egyptian but then I remembered knowing an African American with the name Farid so I guessed African and I was part right.I don't think he or his nurse would have got upset had you asked. We are all after all proud of our many nationalities here.I love mylot for that also as so many Americans like myself with little funds and physical handicaps cannot travel we love to go via the net and our fingers on the key board. lol. I did not know we had prejudices against middle eastern here . I know my only prejudice is against Muslims who want to kill us Americans and why not as 9/11 was real, was horrible and will not be forgotten.

Hey, bon....Just ask him or his nurse. I don't think any of the office staff or even him for that matter would object to your asking. Not all nationalities are as sensitive about these things as Americans.

I know what you mean...sometimes people take things in a very different manner than what we actually intend for them too. I don't think there is anything wrong with a "hmm..so where are you from?" His name does sound Indian. There are a lot of great Indian doctors...I saw a heart specialist once that was Indian and he was very kind to me. Take care.