Talk to or talk with?

[maeve o'cuinn]

Hi People! This is my first post here! I am learning to become an English teacher and need to know certain little details because students ask about differences, as in this case.
Is there any difference between to and with? Is one more polite than the other? Is there any idea that one conveys and the other does not?

Thx in advance, maeve

[Tdol]

Hi, Maeve, and welcome. To me, there's no real difference. Personally, I'd use 'talk to'as a verb more than 'with', but would be more likely to 'have a talk with' someone, though 'to' would work here too.

[maeve o'cuinn]

Originally Posted by tdol

Hi, Maeve, and welcome. To me, there's no real difference. Personally, I'd use 'talk to'as a verb more than 'with', but would be more likely to 'have a talk with' someone, though 'to' would work here too.

Thx Tdol!! However, in some cases, for instance when you are fighting with your hubby or wife you say "Talk to me!" demanding an explanation or an answer. In this case you wouldn't say "Talk with me!" because "talk with" gives the idea of having a conversation.. IMHO...

What do you think? Thx again!! Maeve

[Casiopea]

Originally Posted by maeve o'cuinn

Hi People! This is my first post here! I am learning to become an English teacher and need to know certain little details because students ask about differences, as in this case.
Is there any difference between to and with? Is one more polite than the other? Is there any idea that one conveys and the other does not?

Thx in advance, maeve

In addition,

I'd like to talk to you. (I speak, you listen. My words are directed towards you.)
I'd like to talk with you. (Together, we share in speaking and listening)