I'm a native American, and I've spoken english all my life. I work with Hispanics closely, who also speak english. I think it's rude when they speak spanish around me. I don't care if it's a conversation when they are by themselves, but why do it when I'm standing right there. Isn't that rude?
2006-08-11 03:29:55 · 11 answers · asked by Velociraptor 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
What makes you think I don't know another language, and why would that matter at all? If I was in another country and spoke their language, I would NOT talk to my friend in english in front of a non english speaking person...it would still be rude. Besides, I DO live in a country whose main language is english, not spanish...which is why they refer to it as a SECOND language. But just so you know, I do speak French and German and understand a lot of spanish (so don't think you're hiding it from me, I've caught a lot making comments about me and were quite surprised when I responded!), but it's STILL rude.
2006-08-11 09:41:56 · update #1
yea, i think that is pretty rude to and it also so disrupting.
2006-08-11 04:26:31 · answer #1 · answered by PINK 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
No, I don't think that is rude at all. There are people who simply feel more comfortable speaking in their own language when they can. You'd feel weird speaking in a different language than English with your friends as well (assuming that you and your friends had the ability to speak another language). When your workmates speak English the conversation is obviously not meant for you, which does not imply that they talk about you. If it really bothers you that much, learn Spanish.
edit: Why do you even ask if you're going to freak out when people give an answer that you don't agree with? It's rather childish to give everyone a thumbs down who tells you that in their opinion it isn't rude. Grow up.
2006-08-11 12:04:28 · answer #2 · answered by Adrienne 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
It depends. If they were having a conversation before you arrived and you do not motion to join the conversation, why should it be rude? When with a friend in a Spanish speaking country and you are joined at a bus stop by a native, do you switch to Spanish?
I'd say good manners would dictate to first inquire whether one is welcome to the conversation, or at the very least await a verbal or non-verbal invitation to join the conversation. As rude as it is to make despective remarks in a foreign language, it is to listen in on a private conversation.
2006-08-11 19:08:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, it's not rude or impolite at all. They just feel more comfortable speaking in Spanish, because they are fluent in their own language. You know why it bothers you? because you can't speak a second language, any at all, so you feel they have some kind of advantage over you. I've known a lot of americans who speak Polish, or Italian, or German, or Portuguese as a second language, and I noticed they don't care when somebody speaks Spanish around them.
2006-08-11 13:41:15 · answer #4 · answered by Atanasia 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I agree, it can be construed as rude. I grew up in a bi-racial home and my mom speaks to her friends in korean and i hear my name mixed in now and then and wonder what the heck they're saying. But I think you are wrong to assume you wouldn't do it in another country. have you ever been overseas or to mexico? i went to korea and i am not a speaker, so my friends/family have to translate, so yes, you are going to have to speak another language in front of someone else. it's how we live. also, what difference does it make if they speak spanish in front of you or bad talk about you in english behind your back. it ain't nuthin', bro.
2006-08-12 13:30:35 · answer #5 · answered by anonymous 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i find it sooo rude. I was flying from australia to glasgow, via dubai last year, and for some random reason a security officer in the airport at dubai decided there was something odd in my bag and wanted to search it. so on he went taking EVERYTHING out, (if he'd told me what he was looking for it'd have been sooo much easier) anyway, so it was clear he wasn't finding anything i shouldn't have had. but of course, i was tired, confused, and had a splitting sinus headache and was beginning to feel a bit tearful, and where i've had this happen before, been searched, the officer carrying out the search was always civil, if not nice, this man was horrid. and you know what? despite my blatant confusion and upset, he chattered away the whole time to his assistant in arabic. i literally almost screamed, how absolutely ignorant, to stand there and blabber on in arabic, about me and my hand luggage. i felt soooo annoyed and was relieved when i could storm away to my next flight. and, might i add, he never found anything. AAAAAAAAAAGH!
2006-08-11 13:26:28 · answer #6 · answered by Natalie R 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
To spicoli: that land belonged to native Americans long before it became Mexico or America. So your comment is pointless.
And yes, such behaviour is rude and it doesn't matter where it is happening.
2006-08-11 10:57:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
no it's not rude. if you knew spanish and you saw your english speaking friend..wouldn't you speak english instead. it's easier to speak your native language. they don't mean to offend you.
2006-08-11 12:13:22 · answer #8 · answered by Light 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it is quite rude, and you should say so. I've had the same problem with friends and acquaintances of my Chinese lovers. I learned Chinese, and I may hear insulting remarks about me.
2006-08-11 10:57:53 · answer #9 · answered by miyuki & kyojin 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
que es la problema, amigo? el lugar donde vives posible era mexico dosciento anos pasado!
2006-08-11 10:53:59 · answer #10 · answered by Spicoli 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋