There are four muslim students sitting across from me in the lab and they are all talking Arabic. Im not being racist/biggoted but I feel that in Public they should speak english or not at all.
2006-07-25 10:15:51 · 45 answers · asked by tardis1977 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Nonsense. Someday you'll go somewhere, and find out exactly what a relief it is to meet someone who speaks english. Even if you understand another language by then, it's always more comfortable to speak in your native language. Besides, they weren't talking to you. Even if they were speaking English, STOP EAVESDROPPING! ;)
It's actually smarter to speak multiple languages, anyone who can deserves your respect.
2006-07-25 10:17:28 · answer #1 · answered by Beardog 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It does not bother me at all. If they want to have a private conversation in their language then they have the right. It is a matter of free speech and privacy. It isn't their fault you do not know their language. Besides, if you know another language other than English, I would expect you to use it whenever you want. That is freedom baby! It is a beautiful thing!
I suggest if you feel badly about it then either don't pay attention, or go out and learn Arabic. Studying a foreign language is a great way to understand a people.
However, I must say there is one thing that I don't like. I do not like it when people in a service related field that caters to English speaking people can not communicate effectively in English. I don't care if it is McDonalds’s or the Hewlett Packard customer service line. If I need assistance I expect to be able to communicate on a level that will service my needs. For a hamburger that may be using small words, but try using small words when you have a broken computer or an issue with your credit card. Now there is a reason to be bothered!
2006-07-25 10:30:55 · answer #2 · answered by CL 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Think about why it bothers you.
Whenever I have heard somebody complain about people speaking foreign languages, if I drill down on their explanation, they eventually admit something along the lines that they're worried they're being talked about without their knowledge. You need to remember that 99.9999999% of the worlds' conversations are not about you.
As for why I don't have a problem with it, imagine how difficult it would be to make friends and maintain friendships if you were only allowed to talk in one-syllable words and 3-word sentences to all your friends. This is what life is like when you're speaking a second language -- it is so much easier to form close friendships when you're sharing a native language.
I agree that it is rude, in a *group discussion*, to speak a language that not everybody in the group understands... but, I think it is unfair to demand that people speak a language that you can understand whenever they are in public, in hearing range of you.
2006-07-25 13:24:27 · answer #3 · answered by Benjamin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't bother me at all. Being Muslim has nothing to do with speaking another language.
As a bilingual person I can say that being in a foreign country is very difficult an no matter how well you know the language you don't know how to say everything so you turn to finding people that speak your language.
2006-07-25 13:07:37 · answer #4 · answered by Alej 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I'm not already part of the conversation, No. Why would it? Are they keeping it secret that they're making WMD? It's interesting when people say "I'm not being racist BUT..." You have to struggle for a good end to that sentence and you didn't do too good. So, you're not racist But, you think people should forced to speak language they rather not use at that time, whether it is foreign to them, difficult to communicate with or whether they just prefer the sound of it? Otherwise they should be silenced? What business is it of yours? They're not causing you any trouble?
2006-07-25 12:20:35 · answer #5 · answered by Atlas 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't border me at all when I'm not part of their company. Only when I'm with people and I'm the only one who can't understand the language and they speak their home language. But sometimes, when people get emotional for example, they can express themselves only in their own language.
I often sit in public places were people only speak there home language. I haven't met any English person yet who tried to learn other languages. Most of them doesn't even border to asked if I speak English if they want to asked me a question.
2006-07-26 08:15:25 · answer #6 · answered by pffffffff 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd have to say that you are being racist, if unintentionally. Chances are, they're not thinking about you and how you feel they should be acting-they're talking to their friends, in the language they're most comfortable in, which they probably don't get a chance to do that often. If you travel to a foreign country, even if you speak the language well, you'll understand the temptation to talk in your own language with someone who understands you.
2006-07-25 10:19:43 · answer #7 · answered by tye_dyedfan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your in NY or anywhere around a big city its expected.
I have been in situations where I feel as you probably feel sitting in that lab. I bet it makes you feel unwelcome and I bet its a quicidence that they all happen to sit at the same table. Kind of how all the female students always would bunch up in all girl tables when I was in college. If you were to make a fuss about it would be inappropriate but I agree in the lab they should speak english to make everyone feel welcome.
2006-07-25 10:31:05 · answer #8 · answered by Kris 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It doesn't bother me at all. When I go to a different country, I speak english to my friends and family. Chances are, their conversation is none of your business anyway. All those people who feel they are being talked about by people who aren't speaking english need to get over themselves. More likely, your the subject of the whispers by the english speaking folks. Seriously, do you listen to everyones conversations? That may signify the need of a life.
2006-07-25 10:24:08 · answer #9 · answered by Miss. Bliss 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Are you sure they all speak English fluently?
My husband is from Brazil and we speak portuguese all the time.
It isn't that I want to be rude, but sometimes it is easier for him to understand me if I speak portuguese. Also, we do it when we are talking about something that everyone doesn't need to know about (bills, money, troubles, family).
Have you tried learning Arabic so you can converse with them?
A simple phrase is
How are you? (it is pronounced mar-ha-ba keef-hall-ek)
or you could say
Peace be upon you. ( it is a very traditional arabic greeting)
A-salam wall lake um
the response to Asalaamu alaikum is...
Wall-lake um a Salam. (and to you be peace)
And no. You are not racist.
2006-07-25 10:23:17 · answer #10 · answered by Katie N 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋