discrimination?

Question

When you call a business and get "press 1 for English, 2 for spanish"...what about all the other languages? Isn't that considered discrimination? Shouldn't they list a whole range of languages options? Or is it something else?

Answer 1

Every issue does not involve discrimination, sometimes it is only common sense.It is simply a sound business practise probably based on their past and current market.In Canada we are offered services in English or French.It is assumed that the people are familiar with at least one of our two official languages.This is probably the case in your situation.You are given options and you obviously know enough English to complain so you must have the requisite English skills to conduct your business in English.

Answer 2

Got to agree with you on that one.

But, if native speakers of other languages request it, I am sure the business will likewise accomodate them.

Until it refuses to and only provides translation in Spanish, it is not discriminating.

Answer 3

Those are the 2 most common languages spoken here, i personally do not want anymore options when i call somewhere and have to listen to the automated messages, get a translator if needed!

Answer 4

It's based on demographics. There are other languages spoken, but the majority of immigrants who don't speak English have Spanish as their native language.

Answer 5

It is discrimination and it needs to be stopped.
If you get through to a person on the other end, instead of a machine, tell that person you don't like it.
If you get stuff in the mail, like adverstisements in spanish instead of English, call the 800 number of the business (toll free) and tell them you will NOT buy their product until they print their advertising in english. And don't buy the product anymore until it changes.
In the state of California, English is the OFFICIAL language, in legislation passed by the California legislature, in Sacramento, in 1982. If you live in California, make sure you tell the business using spanish that fact.
Yesterday I called Walmart to ask a question about an item listed in their sale paper, the girl who answered the phone there spoke spanish when she answered, and I didn't even know if I had reached the number I dialed. I had to ask her 3 times "Is this walmart?" When she finally responded in (hispanic accented) english her attitude was extremely rude. I asked to speak to her supervisor immediately and I told that man I was apalled to call walmart and have the phone answered in Spanish. All he did was apologise. I hope she got fired!
My cellphone was dead one day and I needed to make a call on a public phone, the operator answered in spanish ( I live in California), I found out that day that all public phones here are now owned and operated by a mexican company called Mextel, and when you make a call from a public phone in California now, you call goes through Mexico, your operator is in Mexico. HOW ABOUT THAT? THINK WE HAVE BEEN INVADED?

Answer 6

If a company is not using different languages for other cultures to understand, they would probably have to call someone with authority to change that. You should go to the city with some suggestions. Maybe you can fight for change. Try it! You never know, it might work.

Answer 7

no, but if they had all the languages u'd never b done with ur call, besides spanish speaking people is the biggest minority in this country

Answer 8

Only against middle-class Americans...paying & paying & paying...how much do you think all this spanish crap is costing the taxpayer?

Answer 9

A business can do what it wants in serving its customers.