Is it rude to speak in a foreign language while working in a group?

Question

Suppose you are at work or at school working in a group. You and your peers are trying to solve a problem by talking about it at a rounded table. Everybody in the group speaks English but some people in the group use their native language to talk to each other.

Is it rude to do that?

Personally, I think it is very rude and inappropriate to speak in a foreign language while working in a group. Unless off course everybody in the group speaks that language. It sends a message that you don't count. It creates a very ineffective way of communication because the other people in the group have no idea what you are talking about. It is best for everybody in the group to speak in a language that everybody can understand.

Answer 1

Yes.

I feel it builds up a kind of wall and often, I think they're talking about me.

Answer 2

Yes, it is rude to speak in another language while in a group of people who do not share the language. It's different if there is someone there who doesn't speak the language of the majority, in which case someone should translate everything that is said both ways.

Answer 3

Of course it is rude ! I speak 4 languages and never would I dare use another language that the one used in the country that I am in at the time..

Respect others if you want to be respected.

Answer 4

I agree. I love learning about and hearing other languages. However, in order to effectively communicate, respect needs to exist. People should only speak languages that all can comprehend. Treat others the way you want to be treated. You are right. Thank you.

Answer 5

YES....you are exactly right, it's very rude. You speak the language of the country you are in in that situation.

Answer 6

yes, i definitely think it's rude because everyone is trying to collaborate and it makes it difficult when some people communicate in another language that others don't understand. they are acting like the others aren't part of the discussion.

Answer 7

i have friends who do that at times but they dont realise it.

as they are using a language while talking to their friends and i absolutely have no idea what are they talking about, in some cases you might think that they are talking bad about you :x

i agree that its best to use english while they are speaking as its the most common language that most of us can understand.

Answer 8

It is rude unless they cannot speak English at all. I always think they are talking about me.

Answer 9

Yes, but it's excluding others in the group.

Answer 10

i do it all the time, ill be talking then just start talking in spanish with my friend i do this because its easier to Communicate in spanish for us, and i really dont care if the ppl around me think its rude, its just like if ur in a group of lets say 5 and only 2 of u are talking english u cant really help ur self but to talk in a manner that is easier and more comfortably for u.

Answer 11

Well its rude because its very counter-productive if its about the project everyone should be able to hear it if its private then not really.

Answer 12

Personally, I always assume their talking-trash about me, and it makes me very very upset, Especially if im not on my meds, It usually ends up in a altercation resulting in federal court...



But thats just me...

Answer 13

YES..others think you are over-reacting

Answer 14

yup. it's rude.