Why do my co-workers speak in a different language in the work place?

Question

I work in a small company and the owner and a few other worker are from Iran and they know english very well but always speak in Farsi to each other in front of the other staff.
I think it is disrespectful to those of us that don't speak Farsi.
Should I not worrie about it or say something to them?

Answer 1

learn farsi, its not that hard.

Answer 2

My father is from Iran. He speaks Farsi but only ever spoke English with my American mom and me. Whenever he is with other Farsi speakers, they slip into their native tongue without thinking twice. I have no idea what they are saying and it can be frustrating at times, but half the time I ask for translation he doesn't even realize he's not speaking English.

I've experienced the same thing while living abroad in French- and Spanish-speaking countries. The second I'd see an English-speaking friend, my brain would make the switch. When we were around people who didn't speak English, I'd try to be respectful of that, but it's just sooo much easier to say things in your native tongue. It's also comforting to be able to integrate parts of the culture you grew up with (and language is a huge part of culture) into your daily life because being an immigrant, even one who speaks the language fluently and is basically assimilated, means you never quite feel 100% at home.

I also agree with what the poster above said--it just feels wrong to not speak your native tongue with someone who shares it unless there's a non-speaker in the mix. It adds this whole weird self-consciousness to the conversation.

That having been said, it's totally natural to feel a little weird about people talking right in front of you and not having any idea what they're saying. Listeners often assume they're saying something bad about them, but this is almost never the case! (For one thing, there's just sort of a mental block about talking about someone when they're standing right there, even if you're sure they can't understand you.)

Why don't you ask your coworkers to teach you a few words in Farsi? They'll be flattered that you're curious (and hey, you might even be able to get the gist of the convo if you keep it up) and it's the sort of gesture that shows you're open to differences and such. It will also make it easier to talk with them about it if you find that you are still uncomfortable--which you should if it really bothers you.

Overall though, I'd say don't worry about it too much. It's not about keeping secrets, just sharing a common language.

Answer 3

I can understand your frustration. This is the USA and English is understood to be the language of this country. Years ago people did business in English and spoke their languages at home not in the workplace. It is inconsiderate of other employees and creates the impression that they are discussing something behind your back. In these days of suspicion and the economy being what it is, everyone is always looking over their shoulder at work. I don't know that I would say anything since it is the boss unless you happen to get a really great opportunity.

Answer 4

Many cases, they are probably talking about something that is inappropriate. You probably wouldn't want to know or it wouldn't interests you. Some times, they may be talking about you. Well, in that case, you probably wouldn't want to know either.

I would say that you let them speak Farsi. It will probably allow you to have more professional or less personal relationship if that is what you want.

If not, I really don't know. Is there a good way to tell them not to speak Farsi in the work place?

Answer 5

I think that they may be more comfortable speaking their native language. I work very closely with another woman and she speaks spanish just as well as she speaks english. But, when her husband, family or friends come or call she usually speaks spanish. Sometimes she goes back and forth between both languages. It doesn't make me uncomfortable at all. If I could speak another language and I felt more comfortable speaking one of them I would speak the language I felt more comfortable speaking.

Answer 6

The same reason when I was at a youth hostel in amsterdam with a woman from New Zealand and a guy from morocco we started speaking english (when before we were speaking french with him). It's more natural to speak your native language. He got irritated and asked us to start speaking french again, so we did. We weren't trying to be rude, we were just doing what came naturally.

Answer 7

You're in a difficult situation. I do agree with you that it is disrespectful, but it is the owner of the company. It might be in your best interest to not say anything.

Answer 8

I think that is disrespectful as well. At my gym there are so many iranian guys who come and they are like that as well. In the changing rooms they just talk in their language and every one gets p1ssed off.

At my work place there are a few Nigerians and they are like that as well.

Answer 9

Say what you want to your coworkers, but if I were your boss and you told me what language to speak around you, I'm thinking I'd rather just not have you around.

Answer 10

you may not believe it but sometimes you feel stupid speaking in a language that is not your own with someone who shares a native language with you...like i live in Italy and speak perfect Italian but my family is in Costa Rica so we speak Spanish...one of my cousins is learning Italian and I know he would love me to speak more Italian with him but it just makes me feel plain stupid I don't know why...like someone else said it's not natural...the opposite happened with some colleagues at work...I teach English and even if they were Costa Rican like me I got used to speaking to them in English and I felt stupid speaking Spanish to them...I guess it depends on what language you are used to speaking with that person