What do you think when people speak their own language in front of you?

[hadi123]

I finished the first term of University last week (I live in England and study in England) and one thing I noticed was the amount of International Students. Obviously, these International students tend to speak their own languages with each other. I don't mind if they're speaking their own language and it's just them but in a group of people where not everyone understands the language, what do you think?

For me, I personally find it a bit rude. For example, we were put into groups and were discussing a statement and I was with 2 Polish students. Throughout the time we were supposed to be discussing the statement, they were simply just speaking in Polish. I had no idea what they were speaking about either, whether it was the work or just general gossip. I find it extremely rude.

Also, I have a few friends who are Portuguese. Whenever we hang out as a group, they speak Portuguese to each other and I just feel left out as I have no idea what they are saying. Are they talking about me or just having their own conversation?

My overall thoughts are that it's rude and annoying when you're in a group of people and they are speaking their own language.

Discuss.

 

[Gilly]

My overall thoughts are that it's rude and annoying when you're in a group of people and they are speaking their own language.

Discuss.

If you were white then you would be racist, if you are not white then they are rude.

 

[miandadrules]

I have absolutely no problem with it.

The idea that others must understand the language you chose to speak when they are not addressing you is absurd.

This type of bigotry was prevalent in the UK during the 60s-80s directed mainly to South Asians.

 

[hadi123]

I don't have problems with it in general. But when you are with them in a group, for example, down the local pub or just at a small gathering and you go together it's a bit different

 

[Pakistanian]

If you were white then you would be racist, if you are not white then they are rude.

Idk about australia but in America it's considered rude to speak in language with somebody that doesn't understand it, now if they were having their own conversation then they can speak whatever language however if you're at school or work and are working in a group then you should speak the language everybody understands. The reason why it's considered racist when whites do it is cause there are videos of randomass white people telling strangers on public transportation or in anywhere in public to speak english and not their native language, when it is NONE of their business.

 

[Abdul]

I don't care. It's not a big deal.

 

[srh]

I consider it rude and I agree with [MENTION=732]Gilly[/MENTION] that whites are sometimes unfairly targeted in this matter.

 

[Couch Cricketer]

Start mentioning it to them some of them might not be doing it on purpose. I talk to my cousins and parents in my native dialect naturally and if someone is in the group that doesn't speak the dialect I have to remind myself to not default to it.

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

The situations you described its annoying and rude. I agree with you.

 

[big_gamer007]

Its Rude when I went to UK a colleague of mine used to speak in Hindi with me when we were with our brit colleagues as he wasn’t well versed in English.. So I conveyed that to them and used to translate it for them as much as I could.. Haven’t been on receiving side so wouldn’t know how I would feel when someone speaks to me in an alien language..

 

[shaz619]

Never have had an issue with it, only thing I find annoying is not having learned their language lol

 

[Chrish]

If it’s at workplace then I find it disrespectful. People should only talk in the language everyone else around them can understand. They can talk in any language they want in their personal lives that don’t bother me.

 

[shaz619]

At uni I've communicated with a chinese guy who couldn't speak English but was more helpful then those who could, the language of science especially is universal and very powerful amongst those who are passionate about it, but I think this can apply to a variety of situations. People need to be more friendly with each other, too many esteemed snobs out there it seems though

 

[Gabbar Singh]

It’s rude and discourteous.

 

[MenInG]

It’s rude and discourteous.

no other way to describe it - represents jahalat to me

 

[DW44]

Dota players would know the pain of being flamed in languages you don't speak. Each server has that one nationality that is despised by every other for being rude and flaming people in their own language - Russians on EU-West and EU-East servers, Turks on EU-East servers, Peruvians on North American servers and, my personal favorite and by far the most toxic nationality in the game, Filipinos on Southeast Asia servers.

 

[hadi123]

If it’s at workplace then I find it disrespectful. People should only talk in the language everyone else around them can understand. They can talk in any language they want in their personal lives that don’t bother me.

Exactly. I think many work places have rules where only English/the country's official language can be spoken during work. Obviously they can speak their own language in lunch breaks etc

 

[KingKhanWC]

I remember once in an office I worked, an English white lady made a complaint as some Asians were speaking in their own language between themselves. I agreed with her and have never done it.

 

[hadi123]

Another thing I don't like is when it feels like people are speaking about you in a different language. You may hear your name or pick up from the context they are talking about you which is not a nice feeling.

 

[MenInG]

Happens a lot in the MiddleEast but because I can understand Arabic well - I usually let them know that I know what they are speaking about

 

[aloo paratha]

They have full right to speak their own language. Just as I still speak to my mom or dad in Urdu when outside the house. Isn't this normal?

 

[Mamoon]

It is not a problem. If they are not addressing me then they are not obligated to speak in a language that I can understand.

It is only rude if you needlessly assume that they are talking about you. Well if they are and I don’t understand what they are saying, it is fine.

 

[Ronaldo7]

They have full right to speak their own language. Just as I still speak to my mom or dad in Urdu when outside the house. Isn't this normal?

Read the OP's example.
If you're in a group discussion and they start talking in their own language which you don't understand

 

[aloo paratha]

Read the OP's example.
If you're in a group discussion and they start talking in their own language which you don't understand

I already read it. Maybe they don't speak English well, maybe they can better explain themselves in Polish. It's not a big deal.

The scenario with friends is different, but has OP brought this up to them? Maybe they just forget and get carried away.

 

[minamino]

It’s very rude especially when you’re in a group with them for projects.

 

[sweep_shot]

I personally have no problem with it.

However, I feel that during a group project, everyone should speak one common language. It makes things easier.

 

[gani999]

It's acceptable in a social gathering, but definitely not ok in a professional or work-related environment.

 

[Batsman e Azam]

A main reason of people talking in a different language is that they don't feel confident enough about their English or whatever language it is. When they find a person who speaks their mother tongue, they feel relieved, and just start speaking in that without an aim to make the others feel left out.

It is instinctual.