2007-09-19 09:29:56 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
The real question is should you say something to people who speak in a foregin language in front of you in a work situation. We're in cubicles and we can hear the conversation.
2007-09-19 09:51:48 · update #1
That all depends.
Scenario 1: You and the other person were already talking and others show up afterward. OK.
Scenario 2: You and the other person are together with the others. Rude.
Scenario 3: The person you're speaking to in a foreign language doesn't speak the local language. OK.
2007-09-19 09:37:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You're in cubicles and can hear the conversation? If these people are not actually having a conversation with you (in otherwords you are eavesdropping) why does it matter what language they speak in? Now if there were a conversation among 3 people, and two of them just turned to each other and started speaking in another language, that would be rude.
2007-09-19 10:04:41 · answer #2 · answered by cindylouwho38 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If they are not in the range of social interaction, such as 3-4 feet, and are instead in a different work area separated by dividers, they can speak what they want.
It is only rude when you are speaking to someone in English and a second person comes up and starts speaking in Spanish and the first person turns away from you and responds in the same language. If it goes on more than 10 seconds, you say, "Excuse me" in an affronted voice, turn your back and walk away.
2007-09-19 18:26:07 · answer #3 · answered by forgivebutdonotforget911 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, unless the person being spoken to cannot converse in the native language. That is... if Grandma can only speak German, and you are sitting around the livingroom chatting. Speaking German to Grandma, and vice versa, is the only means of communicating with her, then there is no alternative. However, if Grandma, and everyone in the room, speaks a "common" language, that "common" language should be the one of choice for that situation.
Have a polite day!
2007-09-19 10:02:54 · answer #4 · answered by wyomugs 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is extremely rude, and I hate it. Especially when they speak very good English, and choose to speak differently when talking to each other as if there is something to hide. I would totally understand if they didn't speak English well.
My sis and I have a language we both speak, and when we're near people like this, we begin to talk and they seem to stop and look at us as if we're wrong for speaking in a language they can't understand
2007-09-19 10:23:09 · answer #5 · answered by Janice Dickinsons' Shrink 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's completely natural for two people who share a native language to speak it with each other -- it's so much easier. If you are doing it just to communicate with the other person, and there are no other reasons not to do it, I don't see that as a problem. If you are doing it to purposely exclude a possible listener, that's not so good.
2007-09-19 18:00:10 · answer #6 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is just a conversation between the two of them, then no. It would be none of your business. I realize the situation is frustrating though when they are talking and laughing in whatever language it is becasue you always sit there and wonder "are they laughing at me?"
2007-09-19 10:26:50 · answer #7 · answered by Betrdz 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you were originally in the conversation and suddenly they switched to the other language, yes. If you're simply in the room with them at the time, no.
2007-09-19 09:46:40 · answer #8 · answered by SMS 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Only if it's done to exclude the non-speakers from the conversation. If you're not part of the conversation in the first place, then it's of no concern to you.
2007-09-19 10:14:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes
2007-09-19 09:38:19 · answer #10 · answered by L 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋