I work in a front office for a medical office where everyone works in an open environment, meaning we aren't in cubicles or individual offices - everyone can hear everyone speak. I'm not at all concerned whether or not they are talking about me per se, but myself and a number of my non-Spanish speaking co-workers thinks that it is extremely rude. I have commented a number of times to them that I think it is rude, but they just smile as if I am kidding.
I think it is really rude and classless - what do others think? If you agree how could this be handled discreetly? I don't want them to think that I am snitching on them to management, but this has to end - it's very irritating.
2006-07-23 00:12:53 · 6 answers · asked by westla24_m 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
I don't think it's rude. Not to be mean, but if they were saying something that was any of your business, they would say it in English.
2006-07-23 00:18:10 · answer #1 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I don't think they're being rude. People like to feel comfortable at work, especially considerating that we spend a large portion of our day and lives there.
If co-workers have something in common, like a language, then what's wrong with them conversing in it. It makes them feel comfortable and back home in their own countries, which makes them happy.
And if they're not talking to you or about you, what difference should it make to you? Are they disrupting your ability to do your job? Are they overly loud or obnixious? Are they excluding you from participating in the discussion?
There have been plenty of times when I've walked into the middle of a conversation between two co-workers speaking in foreign languages that I don't understand. When I say hi and ask what's going on, they'll often respond to me in English and acknowledge my hello. That's professional and isn't rude.
But if you walk up to them and say hello and they don't acknowledge you at all, then they are being rude. Otherwise, no big deal.
2006-07-23 13:41:35 · answer #2 · answered by msoexpert 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Number 1: Why let it be your concern?
Number 2: Sometimes people communicate better with each other in their native tongue.
I have the same situation at my employer and I have never really given it an ounce of thought.
As long as they don't expect you to speak to them in spanish, why care?
2006-07-23 14:14:22 · answer #3 · answered by SuzHall73 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is not rude. Just imagine the lingua franca of the world now is again, Latin. Everyone speaks it, but your colleague happens to speak English. Would you speak Latin or English to her ? I am not Latino or Spanish btw..
2006-07-23 07:24:36 · answer #4 · answered by angioplasty 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes , it is rude as i have had to deal with the same problem myself.The best thing to do is to learn a few words like ka -pa -so which means whats going on and watch their faces drop to the ground.
2006-07-23 07:40:58 · answer #5 · answered by phil d 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i do not think it is rude.
I think you're being overly sensitive, because you don't know how to speak Spanish.
How childish can you be?
** Yes, CHILDISH! Your caustic remarks in your email to me pretty much proves it. I've pasted a copy of it below for all to see.
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Subject: childish?
Message: you can respond without insulting me - didn't you learn anything in bible college?
just fyi, they are going against company policy and yo puedo hablar espanol
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Tell us where in your question you mentioned anything about "company policy."
What's the consensus of the responders here?
2006-07-23 07:16:54 · answer #6 · answered by My Big Bear Ron 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋