this post was submitted on 20 Sep 2025
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cross-posted from: https://linux.community/post/3497784

Example: several of my former coworkers are from Mexico, Peru and Argentina, meaning they share Spanish as a common language.

I used to practice Spanish with them, but my last charge (like a ward's manager) would yell at us to stop it, use English only. She would get very angry really fast if she heard anything in a language she didn't understand.

I find it stupid, because some of them would use Spanish to better explain to the new nurses how to do certain procedures, but maybe I'm missing something?

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[–] RobotToaster@mander.xyz 35 points 4 days ago (3 children)

I was always told it's a bit rude to use a language that not everyone present understands, since you're basically excluding people from the conversation. Your example seems a bit silly though.

[–] nymnympseudonym@piefed.social 18 points 4 days ago (2 children)

Offense: "a bit rude"

Punishment: no job, bad references, no health insurance

[–] pupbiru@aussie.zone 1 points 2 days ago

imo in this case the offence wouldn’t be the “a bit rude” part: nobody likely got fired for speaking another language before the rule… the offence would be breaking company policy/rules

[–] roguetrick@lemmy.world 5 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

What's funny is no charge nurse is capable of getting you to the point of getting fired over this shit. They're just capable of making you want to quit. Management does not like spending money orienting new nurses.

[–] Dagnet@lemmy.world 15 points 4 days ago

Same. English is my second language but I still make sure to speak english even if talking to someone from my country if there is someone who doesn't speak portuguese nearby

[–] Randomgal@lemmy.ca 4 points 3 days ago (2 children)

Talking to a person excludes all others by default. If I'm talking to you I'm not talking to the guy behind me. What does the guy behind me care what language we're using? And why should I care about the one I'm NOT talking to.

[–] moodymellodrone@sopuli.xyz 5 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

Nah if it’s the workplace, I treat it like talking at a dinner table. I’m definitely using the common language and not excluding my coworkers. I’m being thoughtful towards the people around me.

I also get that speaking in a language my company doesn’t understand could make them uncomfortable. I speak a 2nd language. The very few times that I’ve used it at work (not in an interpreter/translator capacity), it was because a certain coworker switched to talk shit about another coworker to me. So yes, people absolutely do this to talk shit. It’s not paranoia, it happens.

[–] Randomgal@lemmy.ca 2 points 2 days ago

People talk shit in English too. Just after shift.

[–] lepinkainen@lemmy.world 6 points 3 days ago (2 children)

Hallway chat is the reason people come to the office.

It’s impossible to take part if people use a language you don’t know.

[–] ArgumentativeMonotheist@lemmy.world 3 points 3 days ago (1 children)

I thought people came to work because they needed the money, lol. And, yes, it's impossible, and perhaps they don't wanna include me in the conversation... am I supposed to force them?

[–] lepinkainen@lemmy.world 0 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Yes. It’s polite to communicate in a way others can participate

If you don’t want to do it, don’t hire people who don’t speak the company language

[–] Randomgal@lemmy.ca 0 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

'How dare you not letting me police and force myself on your conversations? How inconsiderate of you '

Spotted the American.

[–] lepinkainen@lemmy.world 1 points 2 days ago

“Police”?

I’m Finnish and I work for a Finnish company with 30-40 different nationalities, we use English as the official language

[–] Randomgal@lemmy.ca 0 points 2 days ago

People go to work to make a living.