Office Etiquette: Multi-lingual Individuals?

English is the only language in which business is conducted in the office where I work. Of approximately 150 people, we have a few (literally, a few - 3 or 4, tops) who are bi-lingual - they also speak Spanish. As luck would have it, I share a quadrant (four cubicles arranged in a square with open space between our desks) with two of them.

It's a pet peeve of mine when they sit at their desks talk to each other in Spanish. They both speak perfect English, yet they choose to speak more Spanish than English - everything from casual conversation to business issues. They're within their rights to use the language of their choice, but I find it rude and unprofessional in this context.

In contrast, individuals are generally reprimanded for using "inappropriate language" because it is considered rude, unprofessional and offensive to others.

I'm curious to know how other people feel, from both sides.

It is not only rude, but also bad business to have some employees speak a second language at work. Many workplaces have an "English-only" rule. In your case, I believe you have a legitimate complaint. The conversations in another language may actually involve you. If it's a personal conversation that they don't want you to understand, they need to have it on their own time. It has no place in the office. Multiple languages in any workplace is divisive. I think you need to bring this up to management.

If it bothers you that much, learn Spanish. Stop expecting people to conform to your standards.

I agree with you. Maybe its low self-esteem, but I always feel like they are talking about me. I think it is extremely rude, the same as if they were all whispering to each other.

yeah, i would feel like they were talking about me, too. i would suggest talking to your immediate supervisor about it. tell him/her how you feel, and let him/her handle the situation. even if your supervisor is bilingual!

but i also think you should learn spanish, too. then you can talk with them and build a better work relationship. or, if anything, you'll understand them when they're gossiping!

i worked for a large company as a manager for a period of time and there was actually a policy about this. so, check your company's policy....
you said they are within their rights and i wasn't sure if you were referring to the company's policy or what you think is their rights.

perhaps, this is something to mention to your boss. i would feel uncomfortable, myself. i would probably make ajoke of it adn ask if they're ever talking about me:) or i'd ask for them to teach me spanish.
try to turn the situation into a positive one.

i had to deal with this at my old nail salon. everyone that worked there was vietnamese and i finally asked my regular nail lady (in a joking manner) if they were really talking about their customers. she said sometimes, but not usually...which i thought was a riot!!! she also said it was just easier for them to speak their native language.

i can understand this. i think it's great that your coworkers can speak 2 languages and they probably feel most comfortable with spanish.

i bet if you talked about it with them, non-defensively, they'd be open to an agreement.

good luck

That's such an ethnocentric POV, if you were a minority you'd understand. Perhaps they are talking about you in Spanish and don't want you to know? It's their own business, mind your own. Foreign languages are also not considered "inappropriate", they're not speaking to you in Spanish and expecting a response are they? MYOB in the workplace...that's MY pet peeve.

What they are doing is extremely rude....tell them to speak english or shut up. English is the language of this country and when people want to say something that they don't want other ears to hear they should excuse themselves and speak in private. There is no excuse for their behavior and I believe if they are going to be rude to you then you should return the favor. Come right out and ask them why they are speaking in Spanish.....it's because they are spineless low lives who don't have the balls to speak their peace in front of anybody.

I'm not sure why this bothers you so much, since you say "they're within their rights". Perhaps you just feel left out of the conversation.