Now luckily things have changed a lot over the past few years. But some people still believe that they should not speak English because other people think of them as being a "show off". There is only one reason that people would think like that: they are jealous. Admittedly if you went around saying "I'm great at English, look how bad you are!" then they probably have a point. But people who say bad things about people who speak English are merely jealous that they cannot speak themselves. Secretly, deep down they respect you for speaking English and they indeed want to become like you themselves. Even the harshest critic really respects you for speaking English and wishes to be like you. So don't hide your lantern under a bushel, if you have the chance, use your English. This is your life and you alone decide how and when you speak and in what language. Don't let what other people think stop you achieving your potential. Speak up and be proud to speak English!