2007-06-14 14:35:05 · 8 answers · asked by kcshaas 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
It's rude to speak in another language when in company of people that don't understand, they'll find it offensive and may think you're talking about them.
2007-06-14 14:37:50 · answer #1 · answered by moosies 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would avoid speaking a language infront of someone who doesn't understand in a social situation. Some people can seriously be offended by it. In my work place, most everyone speaks Hindi, I only speak English. When I first started there, I always thought they were talking about me...or were hiding something. I grew not to care or bother with it, but others may get offended. The one cool part is, being around Hindi all the time, I understand a few words.
2007-06-14 21:43:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's very bad manners. I've been in that situation many times. If there's a person who only speaks English, for example, and everybody else can speak it, even if they do not speak it perfect, English should be spoken.
I've been in the situation when one person only speaks one language and the rest speak another language. I'm in the middle, trying to translate as much as I can to one and the others. It's very tiring. Sometimes you just can't do anything about it and the person who speaks both languages must try to have everyone integrated in the conversation, which is not easy.
If there's more than one person in each group, so to speak, they will get together and start separate conversations. I'm very relieved when that happens.
2007-06-15 00:34:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Generally, when you're with a group of people, try to avoid speaking another language around people who don't understand that language. It makes them wonder what you're talking about and it's very easy for them to feel excluded. It may even be considered rude. Don't do it if you can avoid it. If you absolutely must speak that language (for instance if someone else in your party does not speak any other language but that one), then do your best to translate for the other parties present and keep them included in the conversation. It's not easy to go back and forth like that but it can be done. And everyone will appreciate your efforts to keep them 'in the loop'.
2007-06-14 21:41:04 · answer #4 · answered by danaeseur 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it is bad etiquette to speak in another language other than the dominate language of the people in your immediate area. If someone does this to you -and you are around them every day, like at work. You MUST learn their language. That's what I would do.
2007-06-14 21:38:12 · answer #5 · answered by coolbreeze44105 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's a good idea for those that use english as a second language to speak english around others. not because people will think they're being talked about but because i'm SOinterested in the things that foreigners have to talk about. like ham...or shrimp
2007-06-14 21:46:41 · answer #6 · answered by ? 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think an acceptable thing to do would be to explain briefly to the person who doesn't understand what the conversation is about and try to include them in it, even if it is only with one or two words or hand gestures.
A person who cannot understand the language feels very alienated and uncomfortable, so try to help them as much as possible to join in.
2007-06-15 07:07:41 · answer #7 · answered by crrllpm 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just trying to get the 2 points
2007-06-14 21:37:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋