I try to speak Spanish with my co-workers?

Question

I work with a majority of Hispanics and most of them are very sweet. I have noticed that they are are reserved at first, I guess they don't know how we'll act towards them?I have worked with one guy for about the past 8 months and him and I have become really good friends, despite our language barrier. I can speak more Spanish than he does English and we both converse and teach each other our language. He tells me that I am his best "amiga" and that he hopes we are friends forever. He also will say stuff like "sexy" or "bonita" or "tienes novio? porque..tu eres muy bonita" which I just take as joking. A lot of the people I work with figure why bother to try and communicate with them and do not even give them the time of day. Do you think they appreciate an effort in getting to know them and communicating and that's why he tells me I am his best "amiga" or is it just a cultural difference? I know I appreciate it when they speak English and I get offended when people make racist remarks.

My friend that I work with is illegal and when people I know say racist stuff about illegal immigrants I get very upset, and they just don't understand!

I have great pride for America and my country, but as the first answerer said, people are PEOPLE no matter their race or nationality. You wouldn't understand, but once you get to know someone personally, it hits closer to home. If you had a horrible life in Mexico let's see how you would feel about immigration then. Yes, I agree that there should be laws, but I think that legalization should be made easier as well.

I cannot believe some of the remarks from some of these people. They are some of the most hardest workers I have ever met and how dare some of y'all say you are offended by them! They just want a better life here, and NO they are not taking any American jobs because when was the last time you wanted to be a delivery driver for a restaurant or be a garbage man? Seriously, they don't have TOO much pride to do any job..with 150% effort too. I just wish some people would open their eyes and heart and realize that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ and that God loves us all and so therefore we should accept each other no matter what race or ethnicity we are.

Matt P: Do you think I am going to give you information so you can put him in prison or send him back to his home which he dangerously fled!? I think not! And how on earth am I a traitor because I befriend someone?!! Do not try to make me feel bad because I accept him as a friend and I am helping him learn English. I would be a traitor to HIM as a friend if I turned him in. I think YES he should be legalized, but I would try in every way possible to help him become legal rather than shun him and try to get him deported. That is inhumane. WHERE IS YOUR HEART?!!

So trying to communicate with someone in Spanish if that is the only language they speak is considered rude now?? I am not talking bad about others, I speak English at work as well. If you could speak another language and one person you knew could only speak that language..would you NOT speak that to them? Come on, seriously!

Answer 1

So ou say Americans do not want to be garbage men or a delivery driver, ect? Funny you should mention this. My garbage man is an black guy ( I refuse to say African-American, we are all just AMERICANS!) My friend is a pizza delivery driver and he is white. I go to this bar all the time and the bus-boys who clean up the bar are two white guys and a hispanic guy, who I know is American. And how about just 15 years ago, all those jobs were held by Americans, now they are not because these damn illegals took those peoples jobs!!!! They don't pay taxes, overcrowd our schools, and don't want to learn English, as he speaks to you in spanish and not english. Illegal immigration is bringing America down, and if we dont do anything about it soon, we will become a sh.it hole like Mexico too. And how the hell am I or anybody else being racist? Just stating the facts here. There is a long line of people trying to get into America legally, and an even longer line of people here legally whom want to become citizens, but they have to wait forever, or worse yet are denied because of people like your friend who can't do it legally. What employer do you work for? I will report them to the government for hiring an illegal. Its against the law, and in my home state of Virginia, can land you in prison. I hate illegals, and people who want amnesty toards them are TRAITORS! And thats a felony!!! (note i would have no problem if he was LEGAL) just what part of illegal do you not understand????

Answer 2

If someone is offended because they can't understand your conversation in Spanish, they really need a hobby or a Spanish-English dictionary. It really isn't any of their business anyway. Besides, listening in on others conversations is rude.
As far as aiding and abetting, if you have ever went over the speed limit, you have also broken the law. more than 20 over is a felony. Maybe people should address that or turn themselves in. Keep speaking Spanish if you like and tell anyone that is bothered to mind their business.

Answer 3

What does work ethic have to do with it? You're friend has a job an American should be holding it can't be jobs Americans want do. To be speaking to him in Spanish makes me wonder how does the company communicate with him ? Your his best amigo cause your the only one speaking Spanish and are a possible ticket to a green card. All these guys are loving and sweet until they get their citizenship than my how they change overnight.Read some of the horror stories.Many of these men are married and have a family back home and acquire a GF here without disclosing that information

Answer 4

common courtesy says speak English while in the US however some workplaces are lax and as long as you are not speaking ill of others however it is uncomfortable for those who do not speak it...Would you like if they spoke a language you do not speak or understand? HOWEVER in San Diego at the US NAVY EXCHANGE pre 1996 the main language was Filipino which I did not understand and not one person tried to speak English people who worked there checked your purchases out and spoke to other cashiers in Filipino as you paid for your stuff and this also happened at the US NAVY Hospital Balboa in San Diego then after 1995-96 it seemed Arabic was the main language.....you think they would have an English rule huh???

Answer 5

I think its awesome that you are making friends with your coworkers-illegal or not. In high school I worked in KFC for like a year and a half. The illegal chefs in the back were good workers, and they had a strong work ethic.
I noticed the same thing as you though. They do flirt a lot. Who knows, maybe you guys will have a relationship and maybe youll get married then he can become a citizen sooner. That happened with a girl at KFC I worked with.
Its good youre bilingual. It opens lots of doors
Good luck to you

Answer 6

I have lots of Mexican friends. I speak Spanish to them and they speak English back to me, that way we both learn different languages. I'm going to school to be a nurse, and because I'm I speak another language I will be paid more. Don't listen to what other people say. They just like to irritate you. You are a very nice person and you will go a long way in life with your good attitude.

I don't think Nandra knows how to speak English very well herself. Look at her spelling. Also all she's thinking about is someone getting in her panties.

Answer 7

Keep doing what you are doing.
When jesus said "Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, you also do unto me", he meant it.
You are a kind-hearted person and you can make friends with whomever you please.
Bully for those who are so close minded that they think only "Americans" are worthy of friendship.
I befriende my mexican co-workers, and in time came to realize that they are truly a good group of people. E-mail me and we can swap stories.
p.s. I moved to Mexico and love the people. Don't miss the US at all.

Answer 8

What you are doing is what most people most do, immigrants are not brownies beaners. I'm sure he really appreciate your effort to find a bridge in understanding with him and he might no be probably joking about his feelings in which case you must have a serious talk with him about friendship and love. Don't allow him to build false expectations on that matter.

Answer 9

He is basically asking if you have a boyfriend. Why not! you are very pretty. Trying to compliment you, maybe more I can't say. I used pictionary. I would draw a picture of what I was trying to say. Which also helped me translate and learn the language.

Answer 10

there is nothing wrong with making friends. They can be from any part of the world, though we might encounter a language barrier. Remember, friends are friends.