Is it illegal to speak other language rather than English at a work place?

Question

I work in a multicultural office; therefore, there are times when I speak Spanish and my co-workers speak in their own languages as well. But last week one of my co-workers, who doesn't speak other language rather than English (not a white one) got angry and rised her voice telling me that she was going to report me because I was speaking in Spanish. At that moment I thought it was a joke because I have always speak in Spanish and no one had a problem with it. When I saw her raising her voice at me and loosing some of her control. I stud up and toll her that she could do whatever she want it to. I really didn't care.

But now I am curious to know if is illegal to speak other language at work. I know is not appropiate, but is it illegal? Please help me out to find out more.

Answer 1

No, that's poppykot! I know that English is pretty much the only language I speak, but there's not a snowball's chance in he ll that it's illegal to speak another language at work! As long as you don't shout or fight or cuss in Spanish. I mean there are soo many immigrants and other foreign people that come to America and don't speak that much English, does this mean they're all going to get arrested at work for that? no way. At my job we speak a little spanish, which is the second most spoken language in usa. And besides you work in a multicultural office! That girl was probably just jealous b/c she couldn't speak anything but english! Do you know how many people careerwise would love the skill to speak more than one language? Being bilingual is often considered a plus when applying for a job!Don't worry you're totally fine--she should be the one reported to your boss for needing angermanagment classes!

Answer 2

If you are conducting business of the federal government as an agent of the government with another agent of the federal government, you must speak English.

If you work in a private office, I am not aware of any federal law that makes it illegal, but some municipalities may have passed ordinances to the contrary.

More importantly, the lady in your office feels uncomfortable because she doesn't understand what you are saying. If everyone present can speak the same language, it is often considered rude to speak in a third language, even socially.

Instead of getting into who is wrong and who is right, or laughing at the co-worker who was offended, try showing some compassion and apologizing. It seems obvious to me that you weren't trying to offend her on purpose. Be humble and try to accomodate those around you in your workplace. Why be selfish? You have nothing to gain from it. If you don't there will just be more tension. Be the bigger person. Just speak so everyone can understand you.

Answer 3

First of all......"I stud up and toll her" is very incorrect! Should be: "I stood up and told her". Biggest problem with speaking two languages incorrectly is mispronunciation when switching from speaking English to Spanish! As for your question.....No, it is definitely not "illegal" to speak Spanish in an English speaking atmosphere.........just ignorant! I speak Polish when in the company of those ethnic people........when I am among persons who only understand and/or speak English........then I speak English. Some people have the misconception that when you are speaking a language they do not understand in front of them..........then you must either be cussing swear words or do not want them to understand what it is that you are saying!!!
And........you know a lot of people that can speak more than one language actually do this!!

Answer 4

That's absurd

I say stuff that person. If you can use Spanish to reach more people and create more work, I don't see why that person should be angry.

Apparently there's no offical language in America so they can't say "speak the official language."

If they say anything like that again tell them "If go to my country would you speak my language?"

People are a curious bunch so if they don't understand something they get angry.

Answer 5

No. It is completely legal. The United States doesn't have an official language, so it is entirely appropriate to use any language you wish. In fact, in many areas of the country, an ability to speak another language fluently is considered a highly desirable skill.

Answer 6

I am towards anybody breaking the regulation akin to unlawful immigrants and anybody sucking off the process akin to the ones committing welfare fraud. An unlawful immigrant receiving advantages makes me doubly mad. Not handiest did they no longer pay something into the process and are receiving the advantages of residents, they got here right here illegally on best of it. Where does it say within the colossal stone capsule within the sky we have got to help all of the ones residing right here? That assertion announcing we're a land of immigrants is dull. We aren't speaking approximately the thousands who immigrated legally via Ellis Island or the ones arriving legally from far and wide the arena, we're speaking approximately individuals who sneaked around the border ignoring our regulation. Most individuals fail to remember one realistic truth, the time period unlawful makes them criminals to start with. I don't have any trouble with anybody legally immigrating right here. At least that method they're have got to study the language.

Answer 7

In England you have to speak in English only. English has been widely accepted language for efficient communication.

Answer 8

should be not illegal but some Americans get annoying when someone it's speaking another language in front of in public places

Answer 9

Not illegal-

Answer 10

not illegal
maybe not approved if evidence of cheating