Imagine being in a group social situation where there are mostly English only speaking citizens. You are either a naturalized citizen from another country or an illegal alien who is bilingual. Would you feel totally comfortable speaking only your own language, without any thought for the others around you who might want to hear what you have to say. Doesn't it kinda set up a situation of disrespect? Doesn't this sort of behavior here in the USA come down to being rude? That is: "not sharing" with others? I know it isn't law in the US but it is an issue of respect and giving social respect to those who you are "in with." when you have the multilingual ability, to speak in the tongue of the country you are visiting or have newly become a citizen of?
2006-06-23 08:16:43 · 39 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
Thanx for your candid respones (...in English). I was of the opinion that it is somewhat rude. I know I experience this sort of thing a lot and those doing it are clueless. Mostly it's Hispanics but others as well. Thought I'd bring it up to sort of help educate those of you folks out there who are multilingual, so that you might be aware of how a lot of folks feel in this scenario and how here in the USA, we would like to include you in our hearing, listening and speaking, so we can understand you/know you. Please show us the respect we deserve (and extend to you) when you are in the USA.
2006-06-23 08:38:20 · update #1
Yes it is rude, but it seems to be the norm. There is a joke in California. There are 2 Vietnamese in an elevator with a 3rd individual. The 2 Vietnamese talk to each other in their native language. The 3rd says you are in America speak Spanish. In the 20's it was speak German.
2006-06-23 08:24:31 · answer #1 · answered by viablerenewables 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I've had this discussion many times with new citizens. Yes it is rude, especially if you know the language of those around you and still choose to speak a foreign language. I have been told that sometimes it is difficult when they do not speak the language fluently and do not have the proper words in English. They should attempt to speak English as much as possible or go somewhere else to have their conversation. Some people do use their language to alienate others intentionally, but not all.
2006-06-23 08:25:51 · answer #2 · answered by fortuitousoppty 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Coming from experience - I married into a family where the primary lanuage is not english - they all know I do not speak it. However, I think your question does have a few answers - If the party is not speaking english and chooses not to translate for the others in the group - then it is rude! If they are doing it for the sole purpose of of not including the others than it is rude.
However, there are people who still choose not to learn english, they need to communicate as well. m
2006-06-23 08:25:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
In a way it can be rude. Say the group is carrying on 2 different kinds of converstaions, one in english and the other on the native language. How can you know their language (english) if you're a new citizen or a visitor? If you know English, what's the point of speaking it in a native tongue? It's really complicated, if you think a bout it but overall I think its a little bit rude if they're all waiting on you and you're speaking in a native language.
2006-06-23 08:23:09 · answer #4 · answered by princess_Coconuts 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In some instances,yes,it's rude.But I understand if a person doesn't speak english and needs to communicate,how else could they but in their native language.I'm sure it's the same for americans who live in a hispanic country...they probably speak english when with other english speaking ppl.Either way,I'm okay cause I speak both.I do like to shock hispanic ppl sometimes...they carry on conversations at the store and don't know I can understand them until I turn and comment or laugh or something,lol.
2006-06-23 08:56:12 · answer #5 · answered by Fluttery 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Absolutely not. You have the right of speaking in any language that you chose. I mean, if you're talking in your other language and pointing and laughing at someone, then of course, that is rude. but it's like , if you're at a talent contest, and your talent is singing, and no one else there can sing, why hide your talent? You shouldn't go around bragging that you know another language, but it's you're choice. I, personally, love speaking another language with my friends in a store or something. And if other people think that you are talking about them, then that's their problem, because we have the right of free speech. ROCK ON! lol
2006-06-23 08:39:51 · answer #6 · answered by HotPersianBellyDancer 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is not rude. I would speak English in another country. It is rude, however, to speak very loudly just because you speak another language. I have had this happen a lot. It is rude to have a LOUD private conversation, no matter what the language.
2006-06-23 08:20:55 · answer #7 · answered by Jenn 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe the right to free speech extends to other languages. Do I care if they don't want me to know what they are saying? Not really, because not everything is my business and not everything is about me. It is rude, well, kinda. It really isn't important if they are speaking a different language in front of me, as long as I can communicate with them if I need to.
2006-06-23 08:22:26 · answer #8 · answered by The Apple Chick 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is rude. From the turn of the last century to the mid 1950's, most imm's were taght to speak English in public, as it was a sign of disrespect to the country who adopted you to speak otherwise.
Now, many just do not care-they feel entitled to be here.
2006-06-23 08:21:30 · answer #9 · answered by nixone2003 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Absolutely! That goes for a lot of situations. Once again, catering to the mostly mexican population shows total disrespect for the citizens of this great country.
To shortyonwheels...the question specifically said bilingual people not speaking engilsh in such a situation. Read and not react, my advice to you.
2006-06-23 08:22:12 · answer #10 · answered by hisgirl_2455 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋