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?
It’s weird to me. As long as the people speaking to each other understand each other that’s what should matter. We shouldn’t limit folks.
I once was in a meeting and was told they’ll speak Polish instead of English since I was the only non Polish speaker.
I no longer had to attend that daily meeting so that was nice.
Another time I was forwarded an email at work. I opened it but couldn’t understand the thread. The two people in the thread were speaking Portuguese and forgot that I didn’t.
They then happily translated and we had a good laugh about it.
The only time it’s uncomfortable for me is if people are talking about me, but like I have no reason to think they’re doing that so no problem.