Am I being a Nazi? Language in the workplace.

**SixPackBack** · 22nd August 2008, 18:07

Cheese you're a racist coont. Give it up before a JP reams your ass.

**Firefight** · 22nd August 2008, 18:14

Originally Posted by jrandom

Will someone please explain to me how it is offensive?

yes good question Dan I was wondering the same thing !

F/F

**Reckless** · 22nd August 2008, 19:30

Because in a group environment its bloody rude to talk when others can't understand. Its like talking behind someones back
Similar to talking in low tones so others can't understand but they know the talk is on their subject (in this case work or their counterparts).
Its simply bloody arrogant , inconsiderate and rude!!
And totally unproductive to a team environment.
Obviously from Cheeses description others are being affected and its not simply clarifying instructions in the language they understand on an odd occasion.
And if people take exception to that and it gets to a repetitive point and becomes offensive then it is.
Pretty simple, negative behavior, negative reaction!

**Flatcap** · 22nd August 2008, 19:38

Originally Posted by SixPackBack

Cheese you're a racist coont. Give it up before a JP reams your ass.

Bloody JPs can LEAVE THAT DONKEY ALONE!

**Skyryder** · 22nd August 2008, 20:58

There are some well established conventions not only in the workplace but in societiety as a whole. One is that you do not speak in a language that is not understood by those that are in your surroundings. It falls into much the same catorgory as you do not point your finger at someone, nor do you deliberatley whisper so that others are unable to hear you. If you can speak English and choose not to do so then it is not unreasonable to believe that there is something that is being said that may because offence by those the vicinity.

Skyryder

**oldrider** · 22nd August 2008, 21:39

Originally Posted by cheese

Am I being a Nazi?

In our workplace we have several different cultures. We have two Russian people (one just joined us) and they have started chatting to each other in Russian with day to day work things. I personally find this very offensive and bad taste. We have two Chinese guys too that make a point of speaking English in front of everyone else and I my boss also finds it very rude that the Russians are speaking local lingo.

Would I be fair is saying

You can speak it if you are on the phone etc to a partner etc

Anything in the work place with work people, English is only acceptable – no if, buts, or maybes.

This is not a new situation and it has been raised and tested many times.

Official languages in New Zealand: English, Maori and sign.

They only are required to speak English, Maori, or Sign, about work related matters, provided that the recipient is required to be able to understand them.

I think it is you who has the problem because you can't understand or speak Russian and the conversations are not being directed toward you anyway.

If it was, they would be required to speak English so that you could comprehend what they were saying.

There is no law that says they cannot speak to each other in any language they choose.

Engage with them, learn Russian and teach English, problem solved.

John.

PS: How well do you think you would fare in Russia, roles reversed!

**Brian d marge** · 23rd August 2008, 03:18

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ_QFGSAwdw

sorry cheese , not directed at you , but remind me again why I don't live in NZ

apart from

Taxes
Student loan
Crime
New Labour
New National
The cost of living
Low wages
70 dollars for an Xray
The Women
The beer
Rugby
cricket
The humor
The cost of bikes ( mind you they are going up in price here , bloody Russians have money all of a sudden , damn reds )

Stephen

**JimO** · 23rd August 2008, 07:28

i cant be arsed reading all the posts but if you were working in russia and there was another kiwi in the same office would you converse in english or russian

**CookMySock** · 23rd August 2008, 07:56

Originally Posted by FJRider

If you are offended, speak to them about it

Thats not what I have learned. If you are offended by it, suck your guts in and get your head around it. Sorry, life isn't like that - when you think the problem is with someone else - THAT is the problem.

Steve

**McJim** · 23rd August 2008, 07:58

Cherski cherski cuzzy broski.

See - it's easy if you try.

Seriouslythough I used to work in Hotels in London and it was like the league of nations believe me. There were quite a lot of conversations going on in Italian and French as the staff were a mix of French, Italian and North African.

Only caught them talking about me a couple of times....yeah - I forgot to tell 'em I speak Italian and French didn't I?

**Grahameeboy** · 23rd August 2008, 08:04

Originally Posted by McJim

Cherski cherski cuzzyski broski.

See - it's easy if you try.

Seriouslythough I used to work in Hotels in London and it was like the league of nations believe me. There were quite a lot of conversations going on in Italian and French as the staff were a mix of French, Italian and North African.

Only caught them talking about me a couple of times....yeah - I forgot to tell 'em I speak Italian and French didn't I?

Where does it end...sometimes people can't understand my accent..was at a party years ago in NZ and my Glaswegian friend was chatting..could any of the Kiwi's understand him..no...but he was speaking English..and by the way

Ya ne gava ryu pa ruski, no mi smozhem ab shchatsya cherez pere vodchikaYa ne gavaryu pa ruski, no mi smozhem ab shchatsya cherez pere vodchika

**McJim** · 23rd August 2008, 08:06

Originally Posted by Grahameeboy

Where does it end...sometimes people can't understand my accent..was at a party years ago in NZ and my Glaswegian friend was chatting..could any of the Kiwi's understand him..no...but he was speaking English..

I dunno, I'd the the first to admit that true Glaswegian doesn't really pass muster as English