Scenerio: an American and a foreigner are speaking a foreign language in Walmart, are you offended?
(In neither of the two scenerios are the couples speaking to you.)
Answer:
No, but the person who works there that I ask for assistance had better speak English, because customer service does not involve frustration from trying to get my point across.
first off, I don't go to Wal-mart, but it wouldn't offend me at all. Why would it offend anyone? Oh right, we're talking about Wal-Mart. Lock up the guns, the rednecks will get offended!
EDIT- It's amazing how things get changed around. You come up with 2 scenarios and people can't even answer those questions, they start in on employees not knowing the language. If Renegade had a problem with foreigners, maybe they were asking for help. If he/she offered to help, it could've diffused the situation and maybe he/she wouldn't have left with an attitude. Just my opinion. If I were in a foreign country and couldn't express myself I would hope someone would be nice enough to attempt to help me.
I'm only offended by people who fail to bathe regularly, whatever language they speak.
Ever been on line behind a mouth-breather in spandex?
:)
No, not in the slightest.
NO and NO. I speak a little of 7 different languages and like to use it when I can. We live in a FREE country and it is known as a MELTING Pot. Why would anyone be offended?
I'm only offended by people speaking in other languages when it's apparent they're talking about me.
Who cares? I am no more offended than if two people are speaking English in Paris or Frankfort for that matter.
If I were in a Walmart in America and I was not able to get any service from someone who spoke English, then and only then would it be a problem with me.
No. I've travelled all over the world. Americans speak English to one another when visiting foreign lands. Should that offend the people of the countries they are visiting? Why would it be any different the other way around.
One thing I can tell you for sure: more people from other countries can speak English, than Americans can speak their tongues. What does that say about us as a nation?
I couldn't care less.
Not at all. I'm actually rather offended, though, when foreigners stare at me and my family like we don't have a right to exist and shouldn't be in 'their' store.
No to both.
That is called freedom. We used to enjoy that here in the USA.
Mandatory foreing language on government forms in all things is not acceptable. People need to learn how to speak, read and write English if they are citizens here. There are many free programs to do this. Classes for learning English should be taxpayer supported. Forms, signs and books in foreign languages for government biz should not be tax payer supported.
My opinion.
I and many others do consider it rude to speak in another language when you are socially or in biz engaged with other people and you know English.
Im not offended by much, but just being in a Wall Mart is pretty bad. By the way, with the onslaught of illegals notice the explosion of dollar stores, money grams, discount food stores all catering to the new low wage America segment.
Only if they are pointing and laughing at me while speaking in another language.
I do not see any offense here. This is America after all. Cheers
absolutely not.
as long as the employees speak english to ME, i'm fine. if they're speaking to another customer in another language, that's cool, good for them.
No, that doesn't offend me. (scenario 1 or 2 )
Only time I am offended is in a private setting <say a dinner party> and someone who can speak English decides to strike up a conversation in a different language that they and only a few others understand. I consider that bad manners and poor form. (and the etiquette professionals do agree that it is rude)
I could care less, as long as they don't get in my way to the speedy checkout line
Not at all to either. If its a language I understand, I am probably eavesdropping tho (trying to test my foreign language skills) lol
No it wouldn't offend me at all. I don't really care. If they are Hispanic I can understand Spanish.
Why the heck would I be offended? I speak a smattering of several languages and love the opportunity to practice any of them.
No. Anyone who gets offended has other issues. People are most comfortable speaking their native language.
For me, no way. That is just plain ignorant. but i live in the south, and i know many who would. i firmly believe that we are a melting pot and should hold no grudges against other cultures. In fact i think schools should make it Mandatory to learn at least one other language.
Offended? No. Maybe slightly annoyed if they are speaking loudly and rapidly but that goes for any language, including English. Other than that, I don't care. Free country.
well let me give you a scenario.
You go to France for a honeymoon, vacation whatever. Are you going to speak French the entire time you are there? If you are with your spouse or friends you would more than likely speak English to each other. Should the French be offended??
No, if you are a visitor here for however long a time, you have a right to speak your native language.
Now let me answer your question so as not to just leave with another question.
No I would not be offended, I lived in a place were I was the foreigner and I know how it feels to be looked at funny when I was talking to my family. America is a melting pot and has been for many many years. As long as they have a legitimate reason for being here, I don't mind at all.
No I would not be offended.
No, unless that person is an employee and is supposed to be taking care of me and cannot communicate in English. That totally aggravates me. If you are going to work in a customer service capacity, speaking the language of the land is essential.
Anyway, you wouldn't catch me in WalMart regardless of the language spoken by anyone in there. I hate that place.
Here is a more typical scenario for your edification; While grocery shopping in "Wall-mart", A foreigner, with seven small children and two female companions totally blocks the aisle, speaks loudly in a foreign language to the children and companions, All the while remaining in the middle of the aisle which you are trying to get through, Upon being asked to "Please excuse me." All stare at you like your from another planet, then, the adults begin speaking to you in the foreign language, gesturing wildly with their hands, eyes opened wide. You become frustrated and ask again, politely still," Will you please move over so that I may pass?" Once again, the foreign language, louder this time, and more gesticulations with the hands. It does not take a genious to figure out what is being said about you, Especially since you happen to speak the language they are cursing you in. This is the reality of the situation. Not a fairy-tale "Scenario" made up to get sympathy for foreign nationals who refuse to show any type of respect for the people who are their hosts. Have a nice day.
not at all'' if anyone can go and learn 2 different language's and speak it well. I'm DAM proud of them for putting out the effort to be bilingual, it is in high demand all around the world, if you could do that you also could work in most any country you wanted,for a nice sum of pay i mite add.---------- think about that.
I don't care as long as the employees can understand my questions in English and can answer me in English.
I mentioned this once before but.. I was in a Walmart 2 days before christmas, why why why did I have to do that.. anyway
the line at the checkout had at least 20 people ahead of me at first.
At least 5 or so of the groups were speakin spanish. One group was , I think anyway as I've known a few, Lithuanian.
Them speaking their language amongst themselves is fine. I think it would be in their best interest to speak english as to improve at it but thats their business.
When it came to checkout however. I sat in that line at least 45 minutes to an hour. the hold up... those people who were not speaking english while in line... well they really coud'nt speak english at check out either.
there were at least 6 different price checks or arguments about prices... the frustrated checkout clerk trying to reason with or explain prices to people who weren't getting it.
If you are goin out in public, learn the language, or bring somone with you who knows it. Quit being inconsiderate of someone else.
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