Re: Is it rude to speak in your own language when others are present?
i understand the patient scenario. There are a lot of companies/places where it is requested you know more than one language because you may be required to interact with someone who cant, lets say speak english.
But in terms of work places.. unless its a client you're trying to explain something to who has trouble understanding the "common" language and you can assist by speaking in their language.. that's fine. But where, you have a meeting going on... or where you're in a work surrounding (Excluding tearooms/lunchrooms), I dont think its appropriate speaking a language other than what the common language in the workplace is. I hear desis in my workplace speaking in hindi all the time, and its not appreciated at all.
Re: Is it rude to speak in your own language when others are present?
I have chinese collageus who speak in their native language among themselves. I have absolutely no problem with that. In fact, since sound carries so much, if they were to speak in English, I would be more distracted while trying to read something complicated. I truly do not care to listen in on conversation others are having. If I had my choice, there will be quiet zones so there is less noise pollution and people can get their work done. I simply dont understand why people insist on what language folks should speak in if they are having a convestaion among themselves.
Re: Is it rude to speak in your own language when others are present?
I have an Indian friend whose mum doesn't speak much English and when they went to hospital and saw a Punjabi doctor they tried to get him to speak the language but he refused.. Would that be considered rude by most people or understandable?
I would think different rules apply in different scenarios. We're only supposed to speak English with each other, but in terms of clients, we would have to do everything we can to ensure they understand us, so the same rule wouldn't apply.
Having said that, I know people who don't want to use their own languages with clients, cos it allows the clients to become too 'familiar' with them - like how you'll always get those types of people who call you 'sister/beti' cos they think they can.guilt trip you into helping them :(
