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Discussion

Language etiquette?

I have a dilemma would like some feedback. I have been working in a facility for over a year where the majority speaks a second language. A lot of people who were not in the majority have either moved on to other jobs or work another shifted. Many nights I am the only one who doesn't speak the language and my colleagues will talk to each other all nighspeaks ometimes they will helpeveryone other but Iam likely to be offered help until the end. Its not every shift I work, it is my weekends and when certain people work.

At first I tried to let it go. I figured I am in the minority and this has been going on before I came there. But after all this time, it is getting to me. I think speaking different languages is a good thing and I am trying to learn one myself (for personal growth). But I always thought that it is unprofessional to speak in a different language in a group setting where not everyone speaks that language. I admt I wonder if they are talking about me or others but I try not to make it all about me because it is not. I doubt bringing it up would even help and I don't want to alienate myself. I have heard other colleagues that are in the minority complaining amongst themselves, so I am aware that others feel the same way too. There are some people who will talk to each other while I am sitting with them and (out of courtesy) translate whay they said which I never asked but I appreciate their consideration.

So, has anyone had this dilemma? How did you handle it? Is there a way to bring more of a balance to the situation? Thanks for reading and I hope no one was offended since that is not my intention.

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    I work hospitality field now and here at front desk, two person speak Spanish all the time and others not. So they had problem due speaking only Spanish between this two person. Because others doesn't understand and while people speak English , they thinks the other two person may talk about them. Since they are capable to talk English then why they speak Spanish. It's hard . I really understand your pain. :/

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    Is there something in your faculties policy handbook that covers this?

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    I think its unprofessional. I am an immigrant who speaks 3 other languages besides English. I take care not to speak those languages around people who don't understand them. My work place has a "policy" in place but the big bosses won't enforce it so the practice continues. It irritates me but I let it go because what would be the point of saying anything to the co-workers who know they can blatantly disregard the policy and nothing will happen? The other day one of them said to me in the break room during our dinner break..."excuse me but we have to talk our language now." I guess that made it all ok then....and they wonder why I prefer to sit by myself during break.

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    • Expert

    There were five free standing LTC facilities in the city where I started out in healthcare. In each of these facilities English was not the language of preference among the employees. I had my choice, deal with it, or be unemployed. I am sorry you are dealing with this, but if management won't taken meaningful action and it affects the care given and your ability to do your job, there is nothing you can do except leave the job. Look at it this way, management would not have this situation in place if it did not suit management. You are the expendable employee.

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    • Author

    Corporate has a policy that is against it but it has not been enforced. Either people have complained and were not heard or they have not complained to management . Sigh and changing jobs is not that simple. I think that the emotion and frustration builds up and I don't want it to come out side ways. That would be worse.

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    • Expert

    Oh, believe you me, if you were to vent your frustrations, you would not like the consequences. I have seen plenty of that.

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    Corporate has a policy that is against it but it has not been enforced. Either people have complained and were not heard or they have not complained to management . Sigh and changing jobs is not that simple. I think that the emotion and frustration builds up and I don't want it to come out side ways. That would be worse.

    If it's that bothersome to you then, you need to start referring to the handbook. Repeatedly

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    Is there something in your faculties policy handbook that covers this?

    And that should be FACILITIES not, faculties, OY! Thank you autocorrect.

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    • Author

    I absolutely agree with you in theory. Many facilities would not allow it in the "on stage" setting in the hospital unless a patient needed a translator. I think it's more than OK to talk in any other language when it is in the break room or a small group. I know some people who are in that majority who feel like SMW2009; that it is "in their words" rude and poor manners to speak a different language in that setting. I don't think they would be willing to speak up.

    I have a feeling that unless others were willing to speak up offer a solution to get started, I run the risk to be vilified. May have to take the risk if it gets to be tense. I would want my colleagues to at least think about how would they feel if they were in the minority and in other's shoes. Probably wishful thinking. All things are possible . . .

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    • Author

    BuckybadgerRN, RN, it's all good :-)

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    Just to clarify, prior to my co-worker letting me know they were going to speak their language, we had all been sitting at the same table eating dinner and conversing in English. Then all of a sudden they switch to their language with me sitting right there and its supposed to be OK. Personally I think that is unprofessional and rude. It wasn't like I came and interrupted a conversation they were having in their own little group..I was sitting right there.

    Like I said, they do this all the time. I don't care to fight a battle I cannot win so it is what it is.

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    It's rude to speak another language in front of people who don't understand it, even if it IS in the break room. Complain!

    I'm not sure what language your colleagues are speaking, but at least 1/3 of mine speak Tagalog. They are VERY courteous about not speaking their language in front of those of us who don't speak it. In fact, I've heard them admonish a couple of Spanish speakers about their rudeness to the rest of us for speaking Spanish in the break room.

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