"Those who are indigenous parties are easy to identify. They speak the local language, get the local humor. They wear the local costume. In some cases, they develop immunity to local germs. I remember having met an Englishman who had lived in India for so long, it could actually drink the tap water and not die. The word went native is almost always used with scorn by those who do not. Yes, we diplomats and journalists are expected to learn the local language, eat local food, know the terrain. But only until a certain point. We are expected to maintain a certain professional distance.The Gone-natives are considered weak souls of traitors of a sort, who should have known better. Going native is like marrying the girl you've had an affair with during a drunken celebration of Mardi Gras. Similarly, our time abroad is supposed to be an adventure. Nothing more. "Remind me never to be a diplomat or journalist! My professionalism has already rocked this cast, engaging in the surrounding culture, both in dress and language. Honestly, these local people have learned to be comfortable in their environment, which is not a bad thing to know as a traveler. The user would make me a traitor of sorts!Thanks travels, I picked up several localized terms (which I use quite often, actually!) And has been known to melt y'all and Eh in the same sentence. Just may be difficult when someone asks where you come from. But I'm OK with that, no worries on this end!