Speaking Tagalog in English speaking company

[templeknight7]

Magandaga umaga,

Please could I ask your opinion, Some of my English speaking colleagues are saying that it is very rude for Nurses from the Philippines to speak Tagalog around their non Tagalog speaking colleagues, I can understand why it is unacceptable to exclude patients but not why it is rude to speak ones own language in front of other staff,

What does everyone else think ?

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

As an American who has lived overseas for long periods of time: when in the US, ENGLISH is the language.

Since folks want to come here so bad: SPEAK ENGLISH or stay home!

Most hospitals have an English-only policy and yes, this does include breaks.

Again, if you don't like, don't come here!

When I have lived overseas (in non-English speaking countries), I learned the language and customs so that I could fit in. I enjoyed my experiences tremendously but I did not expect the other country or their citizens to tolerate me speaking English when it wasn't what they understood.

If they wanted to practice English speaking with me, while I spoke their language, that is perfectly fine.

[Fiona59]

I personally do not think it is rude I think it is just a stick that rascists use, or paranoia, I also think it may be illeagal for facilities to outlaw a cultures language at work just because they don't like it, I have learned some tagalog and the phillipino staff respect that

"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.

- Nelson Mandela "

Why do people always drag it back to racism? Remember that old saying "when in Rome"? It's called good manners and respecting the culture that you chose to move to and is paying your wages.

Oh, and one man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist.

[Nurse!Nurse!Hello?]

If the company has a policy that only English is to be spoken in the workplace, the policy needs to be followed. It really doesn't matter whether you think it is a "stick" being used by racists, or you feel "humiliated" by not using perfect English. Those are just excuses.

Apparently, Filipinos do not consider it rude to speak a foreign language in front of others who do not understand it. Most Americans do consider it rude, however, and if you are working in a US company you need to abide by the rules. If you cannot follow the policy of speaking English while at work, perhaps you should work elsewhere.

It really doesn't matter whether you agree or disagree with the policy. Either way, you are required to follow it, just as you would follow any other policy that guides behavior in the workplace. If you choose not to follow it, find a different job where the policies are more to your liking.

[vegas2009]

Yes, it is rude. Never mind company policy. It is rude to speak tagalog or any other foreign language in front of people who don't speak the language.

Actually, this is one of the issues that was brought up relating to US immigration policies when it used to be a hot topic. I think that was back 2007?

It's just rude, it's a way to alienate other people. Personally, I'm used to it -- since I've heard other languages around me (Japanese, Spanish, Portuegese) in the past. . . but, I could understand why people would find it rude.

By the way, I am bi-lingual. I also know a little Japanese and Spanish but no, I try NOT to be rude. :)

[Hushdawg]

I don't see why this has come down to an argument about racism or xenophobia.

There are standard rules of business etiquette and this is one of them.

[templeknight7]

I agree that English should be spoken to English speaking Patients but for a heavy handed HR response to too people just greeting each other in their own language away from clients is totally uneccessary.

[Fiona59]

I agree that English should be spoken to English speaking Patients but for a heavy handed HR response to too people just greeting each other in their own language away from clients is totally uneccessary.

Is English YOUR first language?

It's "to two people".

Do you know how many incidents HR at your workplace has had reported to them? How many times the two people involved have been spoken to about this issue?

[vegas2009]

It's not racism when certain people have a problem with the foreign language that's being spoken. It doesn't matter what language it is. I think it's just an excuse people use, to NOT speak english during a particular time they choose.

To be honest, I don't see what the big deal is?? Just speak english, NOT because it's required while working -- it just makes sense to speak it.

If I'm in a group somewhere and majority/everyone is communicating in ONE language, of course I'm going to use the same language. I don't know why people have a problem with this?

[templeknight7]

Thank you , our HR are always heavy when dealing with foreign staff

and "incidents HR at your workplace has had reported to them" is a passive sentence to say the least, if we are to get picky.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Thank you , our HR are always heavy when dealing with foreign staff

and "incidents HR at your workplace has had reported to them" is a passive sentence to say the least, if we are to get picky.

In what way are they heavy when dealing with foreign staff? If it is a case of making sure that everyone adheres to policy then I don't see it being heavy but making sure it is a acceptable work place for everyone. Policies are there for a reason and if the policy is to speak a certain language only then that is the policy

[RelloydRN]

I agree that English should be used whenever mandated by the policy. However, I believe that when on breaks/having a cup of tea/coffee and talking to the phone, any language is allowed. Be it arabic, chinese, filipino, etc.

[ceridwyn]

If they made it "english speaking only" around any office or hospital or health institution, bar, cafe here in Australia, there would be an outcry of being racist remarks and massive outcry of racism.....your obviously not working here