What would you do?!.. if anything?!

AimersBee

So you work in an industrial office setting and there is 7 of you on the floor (based in an English speaking country). 3 of the 7 speak english only, while the other 4 come from the same area and speak another language, but are also fluent in english. The 4, including your Boss, speak this other language almost all the time with eachother, sometimes infront of the english only speakers. The 4 also have lunch with eachother in another room away from everyone, while the other 3 just have their lunch in their own offices.

Would you find this absolutely fine, innapropriate, let them do what they want, to each their own, would you say something.. etc etc.. just looking for opinions..

AzhureSnow

If it's in an English-speaking country, you have to imagine that for them, interacting in their native language is an important part of feeling secure and holding onto their cultural identity in a foreign place. If they have that bond together, then that is excellent for them, but I can understand it might mess with team unity. Have you tried suggesting a group lunch outing, or a pot-luck or something to get everyone socializing together.

MaraDiaz

I might buy some language CDs and start trying to learn a new language. :laugh:

AimersBee

If it's in an English-speaking country, you have to imagine that for them, interacting in their native language is an important part of feeling secure and holding onto their cultural identity in a foreign place. If they have that bond together, then that is excellent for them, but I can understand it might mess with team unity. Have you tried suggesting a group lunch outing, or a pot-luck or something to get everyone socializing together.

I can definitely understand that, and agree that being able to hold onto their culture by using their language is fine, at the same time, isn't a work atmosphere a bit of a different situation?

MisterOtter

Sounds like you just got a job with the US government in a contract organization. Been there, done that. Had the exact same gripe.

On the one hand, I get that speaking in one's native language can provide more depth to nuances that might otherwise be lost, but on the other hand...I find it disconcerting.

NBabi91

I wouldn't be mad about it but I would feel like I was missing out on something. Especially if it allows them to be closer to the boss with possible influences on advancement

AmyFett

I might buy some language CDs and start trying to learn a new language. :laugh:

I was thinking the same. What if it's all gossip about you

Trechechus

I think it's a little odd. Most of my friends speak English and Spanish, but try to stick to English around me because I can only barely understand very basic Spanish. They also translate a lot of stuff to me. I'm cool with people speaking in their native language when they hang out, but I agree with you. In the workplace, it seems a little exclusive...

AimersBee

I might buy some language CDs and start trying to learn a new language. :laugh:

I have learned 2 other languages, just not this one. I like to learn the ones that are either grossly situated in the country I live in. Or a language where if I want to visit that place I'll learn it. Honestly other than that I don't have the patience to learn another language. :ohwell:

AzhureSnow

If it's in an English-speaking country, you have to imagine that for them, interacting in their native language is an important part of feeling secure and holding onto their cultural identity in a foreign place. If they have that bond together, then that is excellent for them, but I can understand it might mess with team unity. Have you tried suggesting a group lunch outing, or a pot-luck or something to get everyone socializing together.

I can definitely understand that, and agree that being able to hold onto their culture by using their language is fine, at the same time, isn't a work atmosphere a bit of a different situation?

If it's interfering with productivity at the office, then yes, it's a concern. Otherwise, i don't see why it's a huge issue, personally. Most people have social interactions and social relationships with their coworkers

AJ_Pete

Have you tried eating with them? It might be your perception that is setting the tone for a "member's only club" type setting. I would feel the same as you, but I'd try to infiltrate the group. Ask one of them to teach you some of the language or ask them bluntly what they're talking about. It could all just be missed communication. They may feel that you don't want to socialize with them, or maybe they feel more comfortable with those like them. Be friendly and extend yourself. You might just be surprised.

bulbadoof

As long as any and all work-related instructions are communicated in a language everyone on the floor understands, I don't see a problem. They have something in common and it doesn't really affect you as long as you can still do your job. If you feel socially alienated, perhaps you could connect with some of the other English-only speakers?

ahigg396

If it's in an English-speaking country, you have to imagine that for them, interacting in their native language is an important part of feeling secure and holding onto their cultural identity in a foreign place. If they have that bond together, then that is excellent for them, but I can understand it might mess with team unity. Have you tried suggesting a group lunch outing, or a pot-luck or something to get everyone socializing together.

^This. Mostly, it isn't natural for them to speak to each other in their second languages. What makes you uncomfortable about them speaking another language around each other? (Not being rude at all, just trying to understand where you're coming from. )

AimersBee

If it's in an English-speaking country, you have to imagine that for them, interacting in their native language is an important part of feeling secure and holding onto their cultural identity in a foreign place. If they have that bond together, then that is excellent for them, but I can understand it might mess with team unity. Have you tried suggesting a group lunch outing, or a pot-luck or something to get everyone socializing together.

^This. Mostly, it isn't natural for them to speak to each other in their second languages. What makes you uncomfortable about them speaking another language around each other? (Not being rude at all, just trying to understand where you're coming from. )

"Uncomfortable with them speaking another language around each other..."
Hmm well.. just seems awkward to walk in on all of them talking in a communal area (kitchen).. whilst I don't understand anything and yet they keep talking in their language. It's not very inviting. Jokingly I'll say "hey are you guys talking about me".. and then they laugh and carry on with their language.

Also as someone posted earlier, I find it concerning that the Manager has lunch with only the individuals that speak his 1st language.. yet doesn't mingle at all with the "english" speaking workers.. kind of like favouritism in a way. Therefore in turn they'll usually be first up for a promotion, etc.

Sarah_Wins

I have a Vietnamese friend that refuses to speak his native language with other Vietnamese people around Americans and he tells them flat out that it's rude. I love him for that, because he's right. It makes a person feel awkward and deliberately excluded, and I think most of us even wonder if they are talking about us! (thinking of a certain Seinfeld episode)

Yes, it's rude and inconsiderate of them, but I wouldn't do anything about it at work, especially since it includes your boss. Let them isolate themselves from the others if that's what they want to do. You might be better off without them anyway.

AimersBee

Have you tried eating with them? It might be your perception that is setting the tone for a "member's only club" type setting. I would feel the same as you, but I'd try to infiltrate the group. Ask one of them to teach you some of the language or ask them bluntly what they're talking about. It could all just be missed communication. They may feel that you don't want to socialize with them, or maybe they feel more comfortable with those like them. Be friendly and extend yourself. You might just be surprised.

Don't get me wrong, I do talk to each and everyone of them along with the English speakers. I just find that most of the time they are gathered together in a small office eating their lunch, instead of eating outside in the lunch room to mingle with everyone. We have had food as a whole together with everyone when there is food purchased for everyone (which happens very rarely), but then it goes back to normal when everyone brings their own food. I've also asked what certain words mean in their language, so overall being friendly and extending myself to them isn't really a problem.

AimersBee

I have a Vietnamese friend that refuses to speak his native language with other Vietnamese people around Americans and he tells them flat out that it's rude. I love him for that, because he's right. It makes a person feel awkward and deliberately excluded, and I think most of us even wonder if they are talking about us! (thinking of a certain Seinfeld episode)

Yes, it's rude and inconsiderate of them, but I wouldn't do anything about it at work, especially since it includes your boss. Let them isolate themselves from the others if that's what they want to do. You might be better off without them anyway.

Yeah I find that back where I'm from where I grew up with all different cultures, every one of them spoke english around everyone even if there was 2-3 or however many which spoke the same different language, they all still spoke english infront of everyone. Which I thought was respectful. But where I live now and where I work has a bit of a different angle on things.

AimersBee

looking for more opinions.. thanks.

AimersBee

bump