I Hate Being Praised for Language-Skills

I've had the privilege of studying less commonly learned languages among white Americans, namely Arabic and Mandarin. I think I can speak both decently enough to get by, and I do enjoy using them, though I've noticed that even when I say very basic things, sometimes native speakers will be impressed. On a couple of occasions, I've gotten free things and food just for being able to speak the basics of somebody's language.

Of course, it's nice to receive gifts, though I always feel a bit yucky after, because it feels like I'm being rewarded for engaging in something that was only made possible through the privilege of going to a college with strong language programs. On the same hand, I do get that it's exciting when somebody knows your language when it's rare to see white people speak it.

I'm not entirely sure how to express my frustration, though I think it has something to do with the standards Americans have when it comes to language, which are understandably low. I do firmly believe that learning your neighbors' language should be an obligation, especially for those who have the means to do so, though now I feel like I'm blaming those whose languages have been trampled over by the romantics for my frustration. It's kind of like I feel like I'm being praised for doing the bare minimum, which I get is rarer in this case, but it feels maybe patronizing? I'm really not sure, but this has been on my mind for a while.

Idk exactly where I am with this, but just wanted to see if anybody else had a similar experience.