He's says this is an English class, so it's not allowed to lead a PRIVATE conversation in any other native language. I was just asking my neighbor very quietly for the task we had to work on.
By the way, I'm in a International University.
2006-08-31 12:04:30 · 13 answers · asked by BarbieQ 6 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Yikes. That would certainly make one feel awkward.
I don't know about the legality of this; my guess is that if you're having a private conversation, you're entitled to have it in any language you prefer.
However, there may be an etiquette angle to this having to do with whether brief, private conversations are acceptable in this class at all or whether they're considered a disruption. That rule should apply to all people, not merely people who happen to be speaking in a language other than English.
Some language classes also have a requirement that any conversation that takes place in class be conducted in that language. For example, when I took French, all discussion in the class, private or not, was to be done in French. Do you think this is what the teacher was requesting?
Depending on how far you wish to take this, you have several options. One, of course, is simply to try make it through this class and then never enroll in a class taught by this teacher again.
Another option is to see if the university has a formal complaint system or an ombudsman for students.
Yet another option is to research full-blown legal action. If you're interested in that, there are often legal referral groups listed in the phone book. (At least, that's the situation in the U.S.) For a modest fee, one can talk to a lawyer for half an hour. The lawyer will give his opinion about whether you have a case or not and make recommendations which you can choose to pursue or not.
Best of luck!
2006-08-31 12:21:59 · answer #1 · answered by IrritableMom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It it an English Language class or English Literature?
If it's a literature class he sounds a bit out of line...
If it's an English language class, he probably is just part of the "immersion" school...These are teachers that believe the best way to learn a language is to use it (and ONLY it) once you're within the walls of the classroom. I once had a French teacher who would not even respond to English if you ran into her in the hallway, even if she was already engaged in an English conversation with another teacher at the time!
In either case, teachers are the authority in their classrooms, so unless he's abusing you or violating your rights, you're probably stuck. Schade.
2006-08-31 19:17:56 · answer #2 · answered by brweiz 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a former teacher of English as a Second Language, I would say that the question os not a legal one, but has more to do with the need for students to practice English. I did not permit my students to speak in their native languages while they were in my classroom, because I wanted them to develop the habit of speaking English. If you make it a rule for yourself that you speak English only in English class you not only help yourself learn, but also help your fellow students. Think it over, and I'm sure you'll soon be saying "Ich danke Ihnen fur die gute Auskunft."
2006-08-31 19:16:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Legal or illegal is kind of irrelevant... It isn't considered good manners to speak in a language that isn't understood by the rest of the people there. It can make other people feel really uncomfortable. However, it does seem like this teacher took it a little far.
2006-08-31 19:30:13 · answer #4 · answered by summer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure it's legal. If the university itself threatened to remove you from the school if you spoke German there is an issue.
But ground rules are set by a professor in their class to maintain order and structure. Not to single you out or discriminate.
It's like him telling you not to speak during an exam, there is nothing legally wrong with it - it's a rule you agree to. If you have a problem with it and feel it's unfair speak with your professor during his/her office hours.
2006-08-31 19:11:40 · answer #5 · answered by dreft 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My Spanish professor doesn't allow us to speak in English in her class -- it's only fair. After all, you're there to learn a new language, not to speak the one you already know.
Most teachers don't like private conversations going on in their classrooms anyway.
2006-08-31 19:11:17 · answer #6 · answered by amarie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One word comes to mind...Respect.
Remember you are HIS pupil....HIS student and like it or not HIS inferior in that room.
What he says goes and you should be respectful of that.
If you were an instructor and some one did something you did not agree with, how would you feel if they disrespected you and kept doing it...In YOUR class room?
It boils down to who's in control of the class room, the teacher or the students?
Now its not like he's doing something egregious, it is a very simple, and say it with me a "reasonable" request.
Respect him, apologize and do what he says. Chances are you may be able to end the class with a grade you deserve versus one that he imposes on you.
People need to accept that in life, there are certain situations where they need to check their egos at the door. And in this case, I think you'd be the wiser to do so.
Best of luck.
2006-08-31 19:16:10 · answer #7 · answered by joe b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure it's legal. Just like it's legal for a teacher not to allow his students not to talk during class.
2006-08-31 19:09:13 · answer #8 · answered by akhaiyan 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it was because it is rude and disruptive to others. Yes it is legal, how does he know your not cheating. Your in college not high school.
2006-08-31 19:10:46 · answer #9 · answered by aggie 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, he shouldn't be saying that, you are free to speak in any language you want, it's a free country. But then again, I spoke Vietnamese with my fellow classmates once, and my teacher thought that we were talking about her and she sent us to the Principal.
2006-08-31 19:10:35 · answer #10 · answered by fendi195116 1 · 2⤊ 2⤋