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[methodsman]

Is it wrong of me to have a problem with the fact that two staff members with whom I work speak to each other about work issues in their native (non-English) tongue in common areas?  It doesn't bother me when they chit-chat in their language (which I don't understand, by the way) in common areas, but when I hear English keywords being dropped in related to our office, I get annoyed.  I believe that this pushes some sort of boundary (e.g., cultural, professional, personal, or perhaps all of these), but before I say something to our supervisor, I'd like to see if anyone has any objective and reasoned opinions, expertise or experience with this issue.

Thanks,
MM

[hegemony]

I personally would breathe and let it go.  Life is complicated enough, no?

[dr_evil]

It's rude of them to do so (but I think it's mildly rude to use another language in front of others who don't understand it regardless of the situation), but I wouldn't say anything.  It doesn't affect you, right?

[larryc]

Learn a long phrase in their language--some well-known saying, a culturally specific thing that only someone fluent in the language would know. Practice until your delivery is flawless. Next time you are chatting with them English, end your thoughts with the phrase: "Floorim saav'd gep, poorim saav'd gak." (Translation: "When the goat has mounted your sister, your honor is already gone.")

They will look at each other in wonderment, then at you. They will ask if you speak their language. No no, you say, not really... with a knowing smile.

[methodsman]

larryc, you are the reason why I went into administration: to get away from the insufferable cleverness and toxic sarcasm of spoiled, self-centered, oversexed boorish baby boomers like you.  Unfortunately, administration only weeds out the cleverness and sarcasm.

[bread_pirate_naan]

larryc, you are the reason why I went into administration: to get away from the insufferable cleverness and toxic sarcasm of spoiled, self-centered, oversexed boorish baby boomers like you.  Unfortunately, administration only weeds out the cleverness and sarcasm.

Say that to them, but uglier and more culturally specific.

[yellowtractor]

Well.  I'm glad we got that straightened out!

For the record, Methodsman, I was just about to post that I once, in an almost identical situation, tried exactly what LarryC recommended.  It worked:  after that, the individuals in question weren't really sure what I understood and what I didn't understand, so they opted much more frequently for English.

(On the other hand, it's possible, given the tone of these two posts, that their tactic is one of premeditated and protective non-engagement.  I can't imagine why, but maybe.)

[stitch]

Is it wrong of me to have a problem with the fact that two staff members with whom I work speak to each other about work issues in their native (non-English) tongue in common areas?  It doesn't bother me when they chit-chat in their language (which I don't understand, by the way) in common areas, but when I hear English keywords being dropped in related to our office, I get annoyed.  I believe that this pushes some sort of boundary (e.g., cultural, professional, personal, or perhaps all of these), but before I say something to our supervisor, I'd like to see if anyone has any objective and reasoned opinions, expertise or experience with this issue.

Thanks,
MM

See, that there is what I see as the problem.  Why does some minor rudeness on the part of your colleagues lead you to go running to your boss?  Would you go to the boss if they left dirty mugs in the communal kitchen? 

Let it go.

[madhatter]

larryc, you are the reason why I went into administration: to get away from the insufferable cleverness and toxic sarcasm of spoiled, self-centered, oversexed boorish baby boomers like you.  Unfortunately, administration only weeds out the cleverness and sarcasm.

So, if I'm following you correctly, you are saying that you are an insufferable, toxic, spoiled, self-centered, oversexed boorish baby boomer, without even the slight amelioration of being clever or sarcastic.

OK, then.

[pocksuppet]

By all means, say something to your supervisor.  It is unfair that they have the advantage of gossiping privately about work while others are in the room.  

The ultimate goal here is to have one's foreign-language-speaking colleagues say nasty things about you behind closed doors in English, like your English-only colleagues do.

[john_proctor]

Retaliate with pig-latin.

"omonesay's ontnay eakingsay nglisheay."

Point at your own eyes, then point at them and leave without further explanation.

[svenc]

I'd like to see if anyone has any objective and reasoned opinions, expertise or experience with this issue.

I suspect that some who may have objective and reasoned opinions on this issue is somewhat less inclined to share them with you after your second post.

- Svenc, who has never been sure whether "oversexed" is a proper insult, and certainly doesn't get the context here

[methodsman]

I actually work pretty closely with these office mates on many things, and as a more "senior" member of the staff, I feel that it is my duty to provide guidance and consultation when I can.  On this particular day, it was not something that I have particular expertise in (based on the English keywords I heard), but would have liked the opportunity to learn about the topic, particularly because it seemed high priority.  I might be called on to deal with the same issue in the future.  I just feel that it balkanizes our knowledge and skills when nearly half of the staff are from a particular language background and they speak this language during the course of work.  The older of the two is also attempting to become an associate in our office, so she seems to employ the younger as her assistant while I myself do not have an assistant.  So there are some politics involved in this language barrier as well.  I feel that I as well as others are kept out of the loop so to speak.

I agree with dr_evil, but with our multicultural society and all, it might just be the way things are going to be.  If we don't like it, we can move to [insert foreign language poor state].

[the_honey_badger]

larryc, you are the reason why I went into administration: to get away from the insufferable cleverness and toxic sarcasm of spoiled, self-centered, oversexed boorish baby boomers like you.  Unfortunately, administration only weeds out the cleverness and sarcasm.

Wow, into admin to get away from "boomers?" No one in admin at your fine place over 45? Amazing, it must be *heaven*!
And, I guess you feel that if you rise in admin that you won't be over any as a supervisor or anything? 'Cause, if that is your attitude, you'd definitely want to recuse yourself from any decisions involving a group you are clearly biased against. I mean, you seem so principled and everything.

Oh, wait, I see on preview the chief culprit is "older" in some way and improperly influencing the "younger"---could the "older" one be (gasp) a "boomer" you have not managed to escape?  Oh, the horror....

[trudgin]

Methodsman:

Maybe they are just more comfortable and can be more productive with their native language.  Put yourself in their shoes.  Why wouldn't you use your first language?  Especially if you needed to explain something abstract or complex to another person that shares your first language.

There is no "official" language in the United States.  Multiculturalism is generally considered to be an unavoidable facet of postmodern life, and , I would think, the norm on most campuses.  I think the suggestion of learning some of their language is a good suggestion, even if you overlook the humor, sarcasm, etc.that accompanied the suggestion.   After all, they obviously have learned enough of yours to anger you when they don't use it.   If you can't beat em, join em.  Learn to find the similarities rather than the differences.

Other than that, just accept it and let it go.  If you try to enforce an English-only policy for non-essential office communication, then you are really going to see not only some balkanization, but also some resentment and resistance.