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NFT: people talking in foreign language at work

BillKo : 8/11/2017 11:49 am
Anyone else have this issue? Nothing against any language, but I find it difficult to concentrate when I over hear it, constantly.

People in my work talk in their native language about work, non work (social) to each other, and on the phone (personal phone calls).

It also seems people think because you aren't speaking English that it gives you a free pass to talk on your cell at their desk/cube without taking it outside.

I'm all for diversity, but I think if you in a work setting you should be talking English, at least if it's about work.

I  
mitch300 : 8/11/2017 11:52 am : link
agree. At my work you must speak English.
It's the nature of my job  
Gary from The East End : Admin : 8/11/2017 11:54 am : link
Seems like half the conversations in here are in Chinese or Russian.

I don't mind it. It's interesting because a lot of the technical terms are in English, so there will be a long string of conversation I don't understand and then I'll catch "chromaticity" or "dipole" or "BPM".
Chinese or Russian  
Steve in South Jersey : 8/11/2017 11:56 am : link
I have coworkers who talk to each other in those languages but English with anyone else is included in conversation.
Why?  
Deej : 8/11/2017 11:58 am : link
What's so great about English? What's your problem with 2 people having a conversation that you're not apart of speaking in a language you dont know? It's none of your business.

What happened to this country? We used to be a melting pot.
If they're not speaking to you,  
Section331 : 8/11/2017 11:59 am : link
what difference does it make what language they're speaking? My company has many Indian, Pakistani and Chinese nationals working for us, and many of them speak their native tongue when speaking with each other. While they speak English fairly well, they are clearly more comfortable speaking their native tongue.

IMO, it makes them more productive, and lessens the possibility of a misunderstanding if they use the wrong term trying to speak English. Don't worry, I'm pretty sure they're not talking about you.
"Shep, it appears to be a big chicken"  
Ron Johnson 30 : 8/11/2017 12:00 pm : link
.
You have a problem with people speaking in  
SFGFNCGiantsFan : 8/11/2017 12:02 pm : link
a foreign language?

Uh, okay.
This sounds like  
Ceez2.0 : 8/11/2017 12:04 pm : link
a "you" problem.
...  
est1986 : 8/11/2017 12:05 pm : link
Shit, if me and my fellow union members knew a foreign language the company/bosses didn't understand, that is all we would speak
Nah everyone is an old white guy  
Route 9 : 8/11/2017 12:06 pm : link
...
I like it better when I can't understand  
Moondawg : 8/11/2017 12:07 pm : link
people whose conversations I don't care about.

Usually if they're speaking in a foreign language  
pjcas18 : 8/11/2017 12:07 pm : link
in front of you it's because they're talking about you.

All  
DanMetroMan : 8/11/2017 12:08 pm : link
the time. Sadly I think I'm the only person in my office who isn't bilingual.
RE: I like it better when I can't understand  
Route 9 : 8/11/2017 12:09 pm : link
In comment 13556073 Moondawg said:
Quote:
people whose conversations I don't care about.


Hahaha this was a good one
RE: Usually if they're speaking in a foreign language  
Ceez2.0 : 8/11/2017 12:09 pm : link
In comment 13556076 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
in front of you it's because they're talking about you.


That's a stretch.... People think too highly of themselves if this is the common thought.
RE: RE: Usually if they're speaking in a foreign language  
RC02XX : 8/11/2017 12:14 pm : link
In comment 13556081 Ceez2.0 said:
Quote:
In comment 13556076 pjcas18 said:


Quote:


in front of you it's because they're talking about you.




That's a stretch.... People think too highly of themselves if this is the common thought.


When it comes to cubicles or thin walled offices  
Frank from CA : 8/11/2017 12:18 pm : link
People should be discrete with personal conversations be they in English or not. I have and had colleagues who raise their voices when they speak in their native tongues and that is annoying, to the point where I will leave. Most foreign speakers do moderate their use of the language in work settings. There is one guy who has colleagues who speak his language (Tagalog) and they start barking at each other over the phone that even the door can't shield me. With him it helps him: he's a sharp productive guy with a thick accent. I have two female Russian colleagues who are polite and their English is easy on the ears, but, when they start speaking Russian its like two NKVD agents deciding how to torture. I have to step away. I wish once they would say: "Must get Moose and Squirrel!"

Lastly for 18 months I worked at place with many Vietnamese Engineers. They, to a person, never used Vietnamese while discussing work during my time with them, regardless of their accents. I really never thought of that before reading this thread.
If it's a private conversation who cares  
Larry in Pencilvania : 8/11/2017 12:19 pm : link
But if it's a group and a few start talking in their native tongue it's rude. I had a girlfriend who worked for a large Miami law firm that was staffed with many Spanish speaking employees. The women in her office would speak to each other in Spanish. My girlfriend would come home Pissed because they would always speak in Spanish with her in the room and she was positive they were talking about her. I told her she was nuts and the weren't.She learned some Spanish and it turned out they were
RE: RE: RE: Usually if they're speaking in a foreign language  
Ceez2.0 : 8/11/2017 12:22 pm : link
In comment 13556097 RC02XX said:
Quote:
In comment 13556081 Ceez2.0 said:


Quote:


In comment 13556076 pjcas18 said:


Quote:


in front of you it's because they're talking about you.




That's a stretch.... People think too highly of themselves if this is the common thought.





LOL, def went over my head if that was a joke.
RE: RE: RE: RE: Usually if they're speaking in a foreign language  
pjcas18 : 8/11/2017 12:22 pm : link
In comment 13556134 Ceez2.0 said:
Quote:
In comment 13556097 RC02XX said:


Quote:


In comment 13556081 Ceez2.0 said:


Quote:


In comment 13556076 pjcas18 said:


Quote:


in front of you it's because they're talking about you.




That's a stretch.... People think too highly of themselves if this is the common thought.







LOL, def went over my head if that was a joke.


Of course it was a joke.
RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: Usually if they're speaking in a foreign language  
Ceez2.0 : 8/11/2017 12:24 pm : link
In comment 13556137 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
In comment 13556134 Ceez2.0 said:


Quote:


In comment 13556097 RC02XX said:


Quote:


In comment 13556081 Ceez2.0 said:


Quote:


In comment 13556076 pjcas18 said:


Quote:


in front of you it's because they're talking about you.




That's a stretch.... People think too highly of themselves if this is the common thought.







LOL, def went over my head if that was a joke.



Of course it was a joke.


Understood, my bad man.
RE: Usually if they're speaking in a foreign language  
Deej : 8/11/2017 12:24 pm : link
In comment 13556076 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
in front of you it's because they're talking about your small penis.


corrected
The best would be if they  
Moondawg : 8/11/2017 12:30 pm : link
speak in a foreign language, but every once in a while insert the word "COCK" really loudly.
I have several co-workers who speak a different language with me  
NYG27 : 8/11/2017 12:40 pm : link
if work related, I don't think that's right and always reply in English and try to get them to switch if I can, which works at times.

Although if I get a personal call, I always speak in the other language, so that my noisy co-workers can't understand what I'm saying.
No no sei nicht meshuge  
NoPeanutz : 8/11/2017 12:42 pm : link
I love BBI way too much  
Route 9 : 8/11/2017 12:43 pm : link
THIS is why I never read another sports site. BBI #1!!
RE: When it comes to cubicles or thin walled offices  
NYG27 : 8/11/2017 12:49 pm : link
Frank from CA said:
Quote:
I have two female Russian colleagues who are polite and their English is easy on the ears, but, when they start speaking Russian its like two NKVD agents deciding how to torture. I have to step away. I wish once they would say: "Must get Moose and Squirrel!"


I've had the same, with female Russian colleagues who had very soft clean English spoken in the work environments. At lunch time, I'd have to close my office door because their Russian accents were just so thick that they seemed to be yelling and angry all the time.

Funny you mentioned the "Must get Moose and Squirrel!" line, I've had younger Russian co-workers say that and I ask them to use a thick accent. Most are too young to get the reference. One of the girls to this say, still says that too me because she thinks it's funny but pretty sure she doesn't get the reference. =)
Pics please  
LCtheINTMachine : 8/11/2017 12:56 pm : link
of these hot Russian chicks you work with
RE: RE: When it comes to cubicles or thin walled offices  
NoPeanutz : 8/11/2017 12:56 pm : link
In comment 13556223 NYG27 said:
Quote:
Frank from CA said:


Quote:


I have two female Russian colleagues who are polite and their English is easy on the ears, but, when they start speaking Russian its like two NKVD agents deciding how to torture. I have to step away. I wish once they would say: "Must get Moose and Squirrel!"



I've had the same, with female Russian colleagues who had very soft clean English spoken in the work environments. At lunch time, I'd have to close my office door because their Russian accents were just so thick that they seemed to be yelling and angry all the time.

Funny you mentioned the "Must get Moose and Squirrel!" line, I've had younger Russian co-workers say that and I ask them to use a thick accent. Most are too young to get the reference. One of the girls to this say, still says that too me because she thinks it's funny but pretty sure she doesn't get the reference. =)


I think the voice actress just died like 3 or 4 days ago.
I've never understood..  
FatMan in Charlotte : 8/11/2017 1:00 pm : link
the problem with this as long as the foreign language isn't being spoken as a presentation or in a meeting with a bunch of people. It comes off sounding entitled that English only needs to be followed. I know when I travel abroad, I'm speaking English with my traveling partners or when I'm at work with an American - and my reaction would be pretty tough to process if I was told I couldn't.

Hell, I've been in meetings in Germany with English as the primary language and they will hold a meeting in English for mu benefit and because it is the company language. There were actually times (if everyone else was German) that I'd tell them to please hold the meeting in German. Allowed me to learn more about the language also gave them the chance to talk more comfortably.

To me there's very few things more arrogant than expecting others to speak English, especially in a culture where we seem almost averse to learning other ones.
RE: When it comes to cubicles or thin walled offices  
BillKo : 8/11/2017 1:02 pm : link
In comment 13556117 Frank from CA said:
Quote:
People should be discrete with personal conversations be they in English or not. I have and had colleagues who raise their voices when they speak in their native tongues and that is annoying, to the point where I will leave. Most foreign speakers do moderate their use of the language in work settings. There is one guy who has colleagues who speak his language (Tagalog) and they start barking at each other over the phone that even the door can't shield me. With him it helps him: he's a sharp productive guy with a thick accent. I have two female Russian colleagues who are polite and their English is easy on the ears, but, when they start speaking Russian its like two NKVD agents deciding how to torture. I have to step away. I wish once they would say: "Must get Moose and Squirrel!"

Lastly for 18 months I worked at place with many Vietnamese Engineers. They, to a person, never used Vietnamese while discussing work during my time with them, regardless of their accents. I really never thought of that before reading this thread.


Well that's the point I was trying to make...how about being discrete and/or considerate of others? The volume of conversation definitely goes up, because there's no issue with what's being said.

Admittedly, I have a issue concentrating when these conversations are going on - personal problem! lol.....

But when side conversations in a meeting break out in a different language, or people decide to hold a meeting outside your cube in a different language, I do have issues with that.

What they're talking about, even if it's me, is of no consequence.
Problem is when you learn English as your 1st language  
DennyInDenville : 8/11/2017 1:05 pm : link
Then wait until your 13 and taking the dumbest lanaguage courses in our schools and we learn nothing.

English is a trap to only speak English.

I'm Pro English everywhere, but let's be honest.. English is tough to move away from. I find it insanely hard and even uninteresting despite my desire to learn other languages.

It's nearly impossible to sit down and say "Okay, I'm gonna try to learn Korean or German. Or even Spanish it's hard to master"

Maybe I'm just dumb, but I took Spanish courses in school for 7 years and barely know anything besides numbers, colors, and some infant sentences
There are so many people here from all over..  
TheEvilLurker : 8/11/2017 1:12 pm : link
I don't mind the language as much as how loud it is.

Funny story, I used to have a cube next to a Russian coworker, who used to work in Germany. Every once in a while, I'd hear him swear in German. It always cracked me up!
RE: I've never understood..  
BillKo : 8/11/2017 1:14 pm : link
In comment 13556259 FatMan in Charlotte said:
Quote:

To me there's very few things more arrogant than expecting others to speak English, especially in a culture where we seem almost averse to learning other ones.


I think it's more the way it's done or where it's done........common courtesy and really, common sense.
Never really thought about it.  
Mad Mike : 8/11/2017 1:18 pm : link
I suppose in a shared office with only a few people, if two people regularly spoke in a foreign language it could be a little annoying, and a non-foreign speaker could wonder if they were talking about him/her. But in general, I don't have any problem with it.
I guess..  
FatMan in Charlotte : 8/11/2017 1:31 pm : link
I don't understand why it is a common courtesy to have to speak English instead of wondering why others can't tune it out.

Is it less annoying to hear my office mate discuss what she did last weekend and how drunk she got vs. talking ion a language I don't understand?

I can't think it would be to much different.
RE: Problem is when you learn English as your 1st language  
dorgan : 8/11/2017 1:35 pm : link
In comment 13556271 DennyInDenville said:
Quote:


Maybe I'm just dumb,



...
Unless I misinterpreted,  
old man : 8/11/2017 1:39 pm : link
seems workplace policy re: conversing is a little lax there.
The FL thing: I'd hope it'd be in English more to create a better integration among co-workers, especially if it's one where you might be able to offer help, advice on a situation: find a good doctor, mechanic, a seafood place...
people who  
Enzo : 8/11/2017 1:44 pm : link
have extended conversations at high volume near my desk bother me. Couldn't care less what language they're speaking.
Lol  
Optimus-NY : 8/11/2017 2:00 pm : link
You have a prime with them speaking a language besides English? Tough.
I love when people think that  
Knineteen : 8/11/2017 2:05 pm : link
requesting English-only, equates to bigotry.

Communication is an essential tool, not an ethnicity.
RE: Usually if they're speaking in a foreign language  
RinR : 8/11/2017 2:05 pm : link
In comment 13556076 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
in front of you it's because they're talking about you.


Lol. Thought of the Seinfeld episode where the nail shop ladies are talking about Elaine in Korean.
RE: I love when people think that  
Sonic Youth : 8/11/2017 2:07 pm : link
In comment 13556387 Knineteen said:
Quote:
requesting English-only, equates to bigotry.

Communication is an essential tool, not an ethnicity.
Isn't this thread about when people are speaking to eachother, but not you directly?
The  
mitch300 : 8/11/2017 2:32 pm : link
OP said during work. I work in a hospital and you must speak English when you are on the floor or around patients. In the break room you can use any language.
RE: The  
Deej : 8/11/2017 2:39 pm : link
In comment 13556447 mitch300 said:
Quote:
OP said during work. I work in a hospital and you must speak English when you are on the floor or around patients. In the break room you can use any language.


Must be great for the patients who dont speak English.
Hey Vatos  
Paulie Walnuts : 8/11/2017 2:48 pm : link
Que Paso
I don't care if it's English or a foreign language  
Bill L : 8/11/2017 7:07 pm : link
I despise people whose conversations overwhelm your thoughts. Especially people on cell phones in public places or the office. Lower your decibels and also take the phone and go talk somewhere private. It's rude.
I'm sorry  
Joey in VA : 8/11/2017 9:39 pm : link
But the OP here is a fucking moron. You don't like people who are multi or bilingual why? Because you aren't. Because you weren't forced to move a new country for actual opportunity and kept your language to feel closer to your countrymen and women? How much of a stupid close minded fuckhole can you be? People wonder why Americans are hated universally, this is why you dickhead.
as long  
J : 8/11/2017 10:10 pm : link
as everyone in the same conversation understands, I don't see an issue
RE: RE: I love when people think that  
schabadoo : 8/11/2017 10:59 pm : link
In comment 13556393 Sonic Youth said:
Quote:
In comment 13556387 Knineteen said:


Quote:


requesting English-only, equates to bigotry.

Communication is an essential tool, not an ethnicity.

Isn't this thread about when people are speaking to eachother, but not you directly?


Yes, they missed the point entirely, while being incredibly defensive.

I too would rather people not speaking to me speak another language. I don't want to engage in their bs. 'Your aunt got a tumor'? 'It's hot outside'? Id rather the white noise.
just report  
Mike in Marin : 8/12/2017 1:13 am : link
them to ICE....problem solved. ;-)
If it is some excuse not to take their private conversations  
madgiantscow009 : 8/12/2017 4:30 am : link
outside while everyone else does, it would be annoying no matter what the language.

The particular language wouldn't bother me though, but I am no nosy Nancy.

I'm more concerned about the language in Charlottesville  
Ron Johnson 30 : 8/12/2017 9:01 am : link
WTF is happening to America?
don't care  
bc4life : 8/12/2017 9:51 am : link
but agree about keeping decibel level low. waiting in line at pizza joint last night. young lady on phone talking loud enough for people at front and end of line to hear. just don't think she realized how loud she was talking.

suggestion - of u have a someone who speaks another language in office, never hurts to learn a few phrases and try talking to them in that language. people really seem to dig it when u make the effort to learn their language, regardless of the setting
est1986  
bc4life : 8/12/2017 9:54 am : link
Having dealt with unions, I don't doubt that for a minute. If that did happen, you'd see a lot of bosses enrolling in night school for language classes.

"Professor, can you help me with a phrase I heard at work, - the only words I understood were fat, overpaid, douchebag..."
Better call Homeland Security  
Lawrence_Taylor_56 : 8/12/2017 10:09 am : link
Gotta be terrorists
They only talk in another language  
Deej : 8/12/2017 10:12 am : link
when they're discussing how to get their anchor babies onto welfare.
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