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.
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
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.
There was a heated thread about this a few months ago. I speak Swedish and Spanish and my opinion is you shouldn't speak a foreign language in the company of those who do not speak it, at least not in a professional setting. In public, around strangers you don't know, like at Walmart? Sure. But at work/in class? No. It's rude and would be similar to two people whispering to each other in the company of a 3rd person. There's no reason.
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.
wow, that IS rude! ugh.
i had this problem with CNAs speaking Spanish all the time. Now, I don't speak Spanish aside from a few common phrases, but I could understand a lot more than they thought, because I speak fluent Italian which is probably the closest romance language to Spanish.
The CNAs would switch to Spanish when they wanted to ***** and talk trash about other people. One day two of them were helping me put a 400-lb woman on a bedpan, and they started calling her a pig and saying how disgusting she was and that you'd have to pay someone a lot of money to have sex with her.
The look on their faces was freaking hilarious when i said to them - in Spanish! - 'you know i understand everything you say, right?' they looked like they were about to **** themselves!
Then I lied and told them (in English) that almost everyone who works here understands Spanish, and that *everyone* has been hearing and understanding everything they've ever said to each other on the floor. One of them turned so white i thought she was going to pass out. Since then, they've magically decided it would be in their best interests to speak English at work. :)
Specializes in Phys. rehab, Chem. Dependency, Home care.
I would like to learn the language spoken there but I know I would be doing it so I know what they are saying. I love languages anyway. I have tried to learn Hangul (Korean language) but I don't have anyone to talk to in that llanguage. I will see who I can bring this up to without alienating myself. I am trying to give the benefit of the doubt that they don't realize how it feels to be in my (and other's ) shoes. Or they don't care; I will stay cautiously optimistic.
My facility's policy is that polite conversation out of earshot of patients can be done in any language. Within earshot of patients is English only. Patient care conversations wherever they occur is English only. Patient care conversations with patients who do not speak English must use a qualified medical interpreter (in person or telephonic).
Despite policy, it is quite rude to speak another language in the company of people who don't. I deal with that on a personal level. My husband speaks another language, and anytime he is with someone who speaks the second language--regardless of their ability to speak English--he speaks the second language, even if I'm there and engaged in the conversation. I elbow him, give him a dirty look, tell him outright he is being rude to me. The other person often switches to English, but my husband continues in the second language. It ticks me off to no end, but he just doesn't give a crap. It is one of the few ongoing "issues" that my husband and I have.
That is part of the reason my ire is raised so quickly when coworkers insist on speaking their own language in my presence. I usually just say (passive-aggressively, I'll admit), "I'm right here, and I don't understand what you're saying!"
Ruby Vee, BSN
17 Articles; 14,051 Posts
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.