or Does it really matter?
Am a chef ... work in the kitchen at the most precious English landmark in London for English culture, art, education and information. The restaurant and catering contract run by a overseas company. Many of them cant speak English and I cant speak German. The head manager also speak very limited english. There is no single British born person in the kitchen. I am a naturalised British. I lost my previuos job because I cant speak Hindi. Should I learn German and other languages in order work in the kitchen or they should learn English?
2006-11-10 21:18:55 · 10 answers · asked by Vig 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
I sympathise. I'm a Londoner, living elsewhere. I take my children to the Museums etc. and have a snack in the cafes, only to be greeted by some slapdash person speaking Spanglish. It makes the place feel foreign. They don't smile, just seem bored.
On the other hand, the staff in the hotel where we stay are mostly from Thailand and Burma. The (British) chef there told me that they're here on English courses, earning as they go by working in the hotel. I have to say that they are some of the most charming, friendly and welcoming people I've ever met; they have become part of of the character of the hotel.
At my local Indian, a new waiter couldn't understand when I asked for a glass of water (I wasn't pointing to the menu, I suppose.) but it didn't matter because he was keen to understand.
So, to your question, they are no doubt learning English. It's the attitude and willingness to communicate that is as important as a person's nationality.
They say that London is the most international, the most multi-cultural, of capital cities, so I suppose it goes with the territory. You're not alone. Reading Antony Bourdin's book about being a chef in New York, he has to communicate with just about everyone in Spanish.
2006-11-10 21:38:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Um Hello we live in Britain not Germany or wherever. These people should learn the lingo! That's awful you lost your job because you couldn't speak Hindi, you could go to a Tribunal for that! If people want to work and live in Britain they should learn the langauge and accept our way of life! Cheeky People! If you want to learn any swear words in German I'm your lady! Did German at School and still remember the odd phrase!
2006-11-12 06:04:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
personally i am scottish but have a polish heritage aswell. i have found that there are many such problems with the places i do work. i get alot of work because i can interpret but so much of the time i wonder why local jobs are not going to local people.
there is a great myth going round at the moment that scottish people dont want to work or are lazy and immigrant workers are somehow better. the reality is of course that we are all the same and there as many lazy or incompetent polish workers as there are scottish but polish workers will take minimum wage for work that previously paid £6-7ph.
to answer the question, yes the migrant workforce should equipe itself with the language of the country they are working in before coming but the people in control of the situation are the employers who are using this situation to keep more money in their own pockets.
2006-11-10 21:40:45 · answer #3 · answered by davidtrueofvoice 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they're living and working in England then they should speak English. I would also contact the CAB about your previous job as I am sure that is a case of unfair dismissal.
2006-11-10 21:27:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes if you come to England you must adopt the English way and the English language otherwise what you doing coming here in the first place.. Or are you only coming here for the free ride we softies give you.. why should you learn German they're in our country now make them conform to our way and language
2006-11-10 21:30:33 · answer #5 · answered by . 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This will be from a countryman of the fat, vile bloody little englanders that abound in Spain, shop At Lidl, read The Sun and drink pissy beer in English pubs.
Serves you right.
2006-11-10 21:32:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Anyone living or working in England should speak English - fluently and so they can be understood. I get sick to death of trying to communicate with people who are too lazy to learn it !!!!
2006-11-10 21:24:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They should learn English!
2006-11-10 21:23:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
When in Rome springs to mind, if you decide to live and work in a new country you should learn the language of that country,.......... no if's or butt's
2006-11-10 21:44:19 · answer #9 · answered by sedona 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find a job where you can communicate. They won't change & its not fair that you should have to.
2006-11-10 21:25:18 · answer #10 · answered by Well, said Alberto 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋