Foreign language permissible in private setting

Dear Annie: I am a nurse and work in an environment where there is an increasing number of Filipino employees, especially women.

The problem is, these Filipino nurses constantly talk to one another in their native language. When there is downtime, they sit in a group and chat. Many times I am the only non-Filipino in the room, and I feel ostracized, like a stranger in my own country. Also, it is exceedingly difficult to concentrate while this language thing is going on. For me, it is not a pretty language. I find myself exhausted listening to it.

At staff meetings, we are told that English is the only language to be spoken in the nurses’ station. I would like to politely tell these women that I understand how much easier it is for them to speak in their own language, but it is disturbing to some of us. However, I’m sure if I said that, I would be labeled a racist. And if management is not enforcing the rule to speak English, it won’t help to mention it to them, either.

I really do not care what they are saying to each other, but the situation is quite unpleasant. Do you have any suggestions? – English Spoken Here

Dear English: Don’t you think your reaction is a little bigoted if you object to others speaking their native tongue because it sounds harsh to you? We agree it is rude to carry on a conversation in a foreign language if others are excluded, but that rule applies only to social encounters. People can speak whatever they like if they are talking to each other privately.

If your hospital has an English-only policy, it should be enforced, and your complaints should be directed there. Otherwise, you might try asking these women to teach you a few words of their language so you can show them you are interested in developing a friendship. Can’t hurt, and it might alleviate your concerns.

Dear Annie: I’d like to respond to “Always Been Short,” who asked how to answer people who commented on his height. My grandfather, who was the shortest of very tall, teasing brothers, had the best comeback. He said, “You measure a man from the neck up.” To me, he was a giant. – Michigan Woman

Dear Michigan: Well put.