I work for a big corp.
my company is trucking in Indians by the dozen.
I am working with a lot of them.
Now in meetings, it is usually just me and a group of them.
A lot of time, they speak in their language. Not english.
It is very uncomfortable.
how should I handle this?
2006-09-14 16:41:03 · 10 answers · asked by Avenger 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Corporations
Ask that everyone please understand that the meeting is in English, and it must be the only language spoken in order for you to be sure you understand everything in the meeting. This is, if you are conducting the meeting. Otherwise, get out of there.
2006-09-14 16:50:14 · answer #1 · answered by kihteacher 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is the result of Diversity without Diversity Education Programs to education each work group. Since your company has not set a standard and are obviously making money from such a diverse group of people, they will be less inclined to make English the standard work language, at this point.
Ask for an Interpreter.........(joking) the bottom line is - you need to make your presence known in the meeting or your replacement will be on the next truck.
Be annoying and Ask what did you say, Ask them to speak in English, Ask if the business part of the meeting is over???
Best Wishes!
2006-09-15 12:49:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My wife had a similar problem at her job, except with Tagalog speakers. It got so bad the company actually made a rule, that only English would be spoken during work hours. At my job, Spanish is the other language. When I'm with a group of Hispanics and they start speaking Spanish, knowing I don't, I say, in my best redneck accent, "Y'all ain't from around here are ya?" They usually get the hint. Handling it with humor on a personal level is one way, discussing the problem with your manager is another.
A side story about language at work. After a meeting I got on the elevator as one of my Hispanic coworkers walked by using his two-way radio. The person on the other end was speaking Spanish. As the door of the elevator closed, a woman commented about the radio saying, "That sounded like Spanish". I'm a bit of a smart @ss and said, "Yes, it has a Foreign Interface Chip in it". Everyone looked at me like I was an idiot until she said, "What will they think of next?!!". Bet you can't guess what color her hair was.
2006-09-15 00:00:24 · answer #3 · answered by sparkletina 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Learn the language. While learning, explain to your boss and say that you are learning it but aren't really up to conversations yet and if they can translate a bit so you get more practice. That way you know whats going on and your boss is impressed.
2006-09-14 23:49:46 · answer #4 · answered by LadyP 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you are making a lot of money I would look for a job elsewhere. If quitting is not an option learn the language.
2006-09-14 23:45:23 · answer #5 · answered by Medical and Business Information 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you the supervisor or team leader or boss.... if so write a memo stating that during all meetings al must speak your native laguage, if not corrective actions will be taken.. time off with out pay.. or even firing them if they cant follow a simple directive...
2006-09-15 01:08:56 · answer #6 · answered by elihueagns 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is the Market mainly the English speaking market? If so, then English should be Mainly spoken. OR, talk to your boss OR, get one of those etranslators (English to Hindu) OR, leave.
2006-09-15 00:26:00 · answer #7 · answered by milan 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't go to meetings
2006-09-15 00:00:06 · answer #8 · answered by Freesia 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Complain to your company anonymously..
2006-09-14 23:48:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
learn their language. your bosses will be so impressed.
2006-09-14 23:44:07 · answer #10 · answered by carolinatinpan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋