Is it rude to walk out then they ALL do this( speak in their language) in front of you??
2006-07-19 06:52:20 · 15 answers · asked by Naomi 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
This has become a fairly common occurrence in the construction industry where I work.
I used to just walk away until I realized that if I cannot communicate with my co-workers it creates a safety issue as well as limits my chances of promotion. I can't be the boss if I can't tell them what we need to get done.
I enrolled in a conversational Spanish night course at the local high school and 6 short months later I was able to communicate!
While studding at night, I made it a point to hang out with my Spanish speaking friends at break and lunch time. It's incredible how much you can learn by just listening.
The pay off comes when, after sitting and listening for 6 months,
as the end of lunch comes you calmly look at them and say something to the effect of "we need longer lunch breaks. It's just not long enough to get into a good deep conversation".
The look on their faces was priceless! By the way, I got the promotion and now I'm their boss. It's good to be bi-lingual.
2006-07-19 07:37:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
If they are all speaking the same non-English language and that language is their first language and English is their second or third, they are probably a lot more comfortable using the language they are fluent in. I would try making friends with one or two of them and then when the group is laughing, ask the friend to explain to you. If you feel hostility about their language use, they will sense that and think you are not a friendly person. Most people I know will switch to a language I understand when I join the group if their language ability lets them express themselves. The suggestions about learning their language could be helpful too. Study a little and then ask for help. If they are friendly people they will help you.
Of course, if they really don't like you, you may be stuck until you can get another job.
2006-07-19 14:32:49 · answer #2 · answered by Creeksong 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not necessarily rude for people to speak in another language. Have you ever learned a new language. Chances are that you don't feel as fluent or comfortable with that language as you do with your first. So, if you know someone who also shares your first language, it's natural to use that language to talk to them. Imagine, for example, that you went on a trip with your family to Italy... would you speak Italian or English with each other?
Many people think that if people are using another language around you, they are saying something bad about you and they don't want you to hear. Most of the time, this is not the case. I wouldn't worry about it too much.
2006-07-19 16:46:24 · answer #3 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you're asking is if you are the only English-speaking person on the job...not "american"...and yes, I think it's rude to walk out on them...but it's also 'rude' for them to exclude you from all of their conversations. You have two choice, stay and learn to speak one of their languages, or go and find work where you feel more included.
2006-07-19 13:56:36 · answer #4 · answered by Rev Debi Brady 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Me personally would walk out, this is after all America! You live here work here, and cant speak the language. I love culture and the various ethnicities, but being a minority i dont impose my culture on everyone around me. I love this country. English should be the primary language in the work place.
2006-07-19 13:59:04 · answer #5 · answered by glowchild7 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where I used to work there were a lot of people who spoke a foreign language. They would talk to each other in that language at work. It came up at a meeting and the company policy is that if they are just chatting they can talk in their native toungue, but if it is work-related they have to speak so everyone can understand.
I think it is rude because it is like talking behind someone's back, but just check what your company policy is. Tell your supervisor that you feel like you aren't connecting with your co-workers because they don't speak in a language you understand.
Consider learing one of them, just for fun.
2006-07-19 13:58:55 · answer #6 · answered by Sara B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to be too forceful and say "I am sorry, but you are in USA and therefore should speak in English", as it has been suggested, I think that would alienate you even more!
Maybe just politely tell someone you know, how you feel and that you would perhaps like to join in the conversation, you could even use this as a chance to get to know them better and learn a new language. They in return may also value practising their English.
2006-07-19 14:58:04 · answer #7 · answered by psicatt 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is note rude, but it is rude when they speak their language and exclude you from the conversation. If any of them ever comment that you should learn their language, just remind them that they are in the US and should speak English.
2006-07-19 13:55:18 · answer #8 · answered by innocence faded 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Globalization is the 21th century word. I think it's high time for you to study a foreign language. It is a way to discover new cultures and prove that you are open minded
2006-07-19 17:23:05 · answer #9 · answered by kobayashi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO, don't tell them to speak English, if you are living/working in USA tell them to speak an American-English.
2006-07-19 14:53:10 · answer #10 · answered by Jola 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋