Sports Direct Slammed After Notice Appears To Ban Workers From Speaking Welsh

Sports Direct has faced yet another row over how its staff area treated after issuing a notice which appeared to ban staff in one of its Welsh branches from speaking their own language.

A sign appeared in the Bangor Sports Direct store telling staff members that “it has come to our attention that some members of staff are speaking to each other in languages other than English whilst carrying out their duty”.

It continued: “We would like to take this opportunity to remind staff that they must speak in English at all times while they are at work, in order that they can be understood by all members of staff; this includes any personal conversations that may be taking place during work time.


http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/sports-direct-welsh-banned_uk_59883fdae4b041356ec0cc25?utm_hp_ref=uk

I think that's reasonable actually. Other staff may feel excluded, and they do have a point about misunderstandings.

It's extremely rude to speak a language others' can't understand in either the work place or a social setting. So, I agree with the ban. Nobody's asking them not to speak Welsh in any other situation.

Yet another example of corporate nongs overstepping the bounds of common decency...

If they had a crew in India, would they demand they didn't speak Hindi;  or in Japan that they speak only Englische  ???

In many countries these days, those staff would have legal recourse to make official complaints against management, if those conditions weren't spelt out in their employment contracts.

Too many ignorant fucktards are being promoted into management positions that they simply aren't suitable for..

And there was me thinking they spoke Welsh in Wales?

Sorry but how is it rude for people to  communicate between themselves in their own language?

Its not rude. As why would anyone want to even know what they are saying when they are having a private conversation? Unless they are "nosy parker" or course.

What is even more a joke, is that it is generally the English when abroad who expect everyone else to speak English, and never make the effort to speak the language they are in.

Sports direct are being way over the top.

Thorin wrote:And there was me thinking they spoke Welsh in Wales?  

Sorry but how is it rude for people to  communicate between themselves in their own language?

Its not rude. As why would anyone want to even know what they are saying when they are having a private conversation? Unless they are "nosy parker" or course.

What is even more a joke, is that it is generally the English when abroad who expect everyone else to speak English, and never make the effort to speak the language they are in.

Sports direct are being way over the top.

According to the article which you posted, 11% of people in Wales speak fluent Welsh, so the rest do not. Of course it's rude to gab on in a language others don't understand. They can have private conversations in Welsh in their breaks or after work.

Raggamuffin wrote:

Thorin wrote:And there was me thinking they spoke Welsh in Wales?  

Sorry but how is it rude for people to  communicate between themselves in their own language?

Its not rude. As why would anyone want to even know what they are saying when they are having a private conversation? Unless they are "nosy parker" or course.

What is even more a joke, is that it is generally the English when abroad who expect everyone else to speak English, and never make the effort to speak the language they are in.

Sports direct are being way over the top.

According to the article which you posted, 11% of people in Wales speak fluent Welsh, so the rest do not. Of course it's rude to gab on in a language others don't understand. They can have private conversations in Welsh in their breaks or after work.

And how many more also understand welsh.

Its their national language.

So its not rude and its not yours on anyone else business what language people speak between themselves.

The only people being rude is those who are so ignorant they get so offended that others are multilingual.

Talk about shades off sharia, forcing views onto others.

As seen Sports Direct have apologized

Thorin wrote:

Raggamuffin wrote:

According to the article which you posted, 11% of people in Wales speak fluent Welsh, so the rest do not. Of course it's rude to gab on in a language others don't understand. They can have private conversations in Welsh in their breaks or after work.

And how many more also understand welsh.

Its their national language.

So its not rude and its not yours on anyone else business what language people speak between themselves.

The only people being rude is those who are so ignorant they get so offended that others are multilingual.

Talk about shades off sharia, forcing views onto others.

As seen Sports Direct have apologized

It's not up to you to tell me what's my business. You posted the article, and now you don't like the opinions posted. That's just tough. You won't change my mind, so suck it up.

I hope Sports Direct stick to the policy. Excluding people because they can't speak Welsh is rude and unnecessary.

Raggamuffin wrote:

Thorin wrote:


And how many more also understand welsh.

Its their national language.

So its not rude and its not yours on anyone else business what language people speak between themselves.

The only people being rude is those who are so ignorant they get so offended that others are multilingual.

Talk about shades off sharia, forcing views onto others.

As seen Sports Direct have apologized

It's not up to you to tell me what's my business. You posted the article, and now you don't like the opinions posted. That's just tough. You won't change my mind, so suck it up.

Its not to a business either.

I am being critical of how you are some how offended that people are multilingual.

Hence shades of sharia

I quite agree its impossible to change your mind, when dealing with some hateful with such ignorance.

I mean how on earth does this effect you?

It does not, but because you cannot get along with people you yourself get annoyed because you cannot hear what other people saying.

I think that is hilarious..

It's hilarious how you're slagging me off just because I disagree with you. I knew it would happen before I posted - it's your MO. Go and slag someone else off for having a different opinion - I'm not playing your game in this thread.

Raggamuffin wrote:It's hilarious how you're slagging me off just because I disagree with you. I knew it would happen before I posted - it's your MO. Go and slag someone else off for having a different opinion - I'm not playing your game in this thread.

How is it slagging you off, to rightly saying someone being bothered by someone speaking their mother tongue in their own country is being ignorant?

Its a fact they are being ignorant, because people being bothered by this are simple being pathetic.

It does not harm you in any shape or form and to deny people speaking between themselves that they should speak English, is what is rude. As its none of your business what they are saying.

The point is Rags, this is what is wrong today where people make demands off some pathetic excuse around it being offensive. Here is just the same, as you class it as being rude.

I spend a lot of time in Wales and I don't hear that many people speaking it tbh.
It is their national language and is taught in schools often as their second language.

I do think when working they should speak the language everyone understands ...which is English.

Syl wrote:I spend a lot of time in Wales and I don't hear that many people speaking it tbh.
It is their national language and is taught in schools often as their second language.

I do think when working they should speak  the language everyone understands ...which is English.

Ah more ignorance.

What right of you to say what language people should say between themselves in conversation?

None

No company has any right to make this demand on anyone and anyone who thinks they should always speak English are being pathetic. They need only do so to customers or other employees who do not speak their language.

So how many times when abroad have you spoken the language of the country you went to?

If not, why not, is that then not rude based on your methodology Syl?

Thorin wrote:

Syl wrote:I spend a lot of time in Wales and I don't hear that many people speaking it tbh.
It is their national language and is taught in schools often as their second language.

I do think when working they should speak  the language everyone understands ...which is English.

Ah more ignorance.

What right of you to say what language people should say between themselves in conversation?

None

No company has any right to make this demand on anyone and anyone who thinks they should always speak English are being pathetic. They need only do so to customers or other employees who do not speak their language.

So how many times when abroad have you spoken the language of the country you went to?

If not, why not, is that then not rude based on your methodology Syl?

I don't think my view is ignorant Thor, I actually think people who speak a language whilst in work which excludes other staff members is ignorant.
Everyone in Wales speaks English....so why speak a second language knowing very well the majority of their workmates wont understand?

I did take a French translation book to Paris once and tried to communicate, not very well sadly, though I did manage to order dry white wine quite proficiently in the local lingo.

Syl wrote:

Thorin wrote:


Ah more ignorance.

What right of you to say what language people should say between themselves in conversation?

None

No company has any right to make this demand on anyone and anyone who thinks they should always speak English are being pathetic. They need only do so to customers or other employees who do not speak their language.

So how many times when abroad have you spoken the language of the country you went to?

If not, why not, is that then not rude based on your methodology Syl?

I don't think my view is ignorant Thor, I actually think people who speak a language whilst in work which excludes other staff members is ignorant.
Everyone in Wales speaks English....so why speak a second language knowing very well the majority of their workmates wont understand?

I did take a French translation book to Paris once and tried to communicate, not very well sadly, though I did manage to order dry white wine quite proficiently in the local lingo.

How is it excluding other staff? Do you normally barge into private conversations between people?

Now that would be rude. As what is stopping you asking them in English what they are discussing. They can then carry on in English and include you or say that it is private.

Some Welsh see see their national language as their first language and again if in personal conversion that is their business and not yours.

You still failed to answer my questions.

What right of you to say what language people should say between themselves in conversation?

Again they need only speak in English if in when dealing with customers or other employees that do not speak their language.

I mean how often do you butt into peoples private conversation in a pub or restaurant?

Hence the view to say about joining in is pure gibberish. If they wanted others to be within that conversation then they would be speaking in English. The point you miss.

So you never mastered French.

So you have no leg to stand on really Syl

Thorin wrote:

Syl wrote:

I don't think my view is ignorant Thor, I actually think people who speak a language whilst in work which excludes other staff members is ignorant.
Everyone in Wales speaks English....so why speak a second language knowing very well the majority of their workmates wont understand?

I did take a French translation book to Paris once and tried to communicate, not very well sadly, though I did manage to order dry white wine quite proficiently in the local lingo.

How is it excluding other staff? Do you normally barge into private conversations between people?

Now that would be rude. As what is stopping you asking them in English what they are discussing. They can then carry on in English and include you or say that it is private.

Some Welsh see see their national language as their first language and again if in personal conversion that is their business and not yours.

You still failed to answer my questions.

What right of you to say what language people should say between themselves in conversation?

Again they need only speak in English if in when dealing with customers or other employees that do not speak their language.

I mean how often do you butt into peoples private conversation in a pub or restaurant?

Hence the view to say about joining in is pure gibberish. If they wanted others to be within that conversation then they would be speaking in English. The point you miss.

So you never mastered French.

So you have no leg to stand on really Syl

We are not talking of people speaking privately in a pub or restaurant Thor. These people are on duty, why would they want little private conversations between themselves knowing they are excluding other workers?

If its work related they should be understood by everyone.
If its not work related....well they should do the gossiping or private chat in their own time.

Syl wrote:

Thorin wrote:


How is it excluding other staff? Do you normally barge into private conversations between people?

Now that would be rude. As what is stopping you asking them in English what they are discussing. They can then carry on in English and include you or say that it is private.

Some Welsh see see their national language as their first language and again if in personal conversion that is their business and not yours.

You still failed to answer my questions.

What right of you to say what language people should say between themselves in conversation?

Again they need only speak in English if in when dealing with customers or other employees that do not speak their language.

I mean how often do you butt into peoples private conversation in a pub or restaurant?

Hence the view to say about joining in is pure gibberish. If they wanted others to be within that conversation then they would be speaking in English. The point you miss.

So you never mastered French.

So you have no leg to stand on really Syl

We are not talking of people speaking privately in a pub or restaurant Thor. These people are on duty, why would they want little private conversations between themselves knowing they are excluding other workers?

If its work related they should be understood by everyone.
If its not work related....well they should do the gossiping or private chat in their own time.

Yes we are talking about people having a private conversation.

Does not matter if they are at work. As to say they cannot speak their language, in a private conversation between themselves is blatant discrimination. As again what they are saying is between them and not you.

Now I have already said that if it involves other employees and customers then they should speak English.

And you have never chatted at work in company time?

Behave

You would be hard pressed to find many who never have.

Thorin wrote:

Syl wrote:

We are not talking of people speaking privately in a pub or restaurant Thor. These people are on duty, why would they want little private conversations between themselves knowing they are excluding other workers?

If its work related they should be understood by everyone.
If its not work related....well they should do the gossiping or private chat in their own time.

Yes we are talking about people having a private conversation.

Does not matter if they are at work. As to say they cannot speak their language, in a private conversation between themselves is blatant discrimination. As again what they are saying is between them and not you.

Now I have already said that if it involves other employees and customers then they should speak English.

And you have never chatted at work in company time?

Behave

You would be hard pressed to find many who never have.

Yes I have chatted to colleagues in company time, but I haven't whispered or excluded others who were within earshot.

Speaking in a language only a minority understand is the equivalent to that imo.
If they want to do that off duty that's up to them of course.

Syl wrote:

Thorin wrote:

Yes we are talking about people having a private conversation.

Does not matter if they are at work. As to say they cannot speak their language, in a private conversation between themselves is blatant discrimination. As again what they are saying is between them and not you.

Now I have already said that if it involves other employees and customers then they should speak English.

And you have never chatted at work in company time?

Behave

You would be hard pressed to find many who never have.

Yes I have chatted to colleagues in company time, but I haven't whispered or excluded others who were within earshot.

Speaking in a language only a minority understand is the equivalent to that  imo.
If they want to do that off duty that's up to them of course.

So you just contradicted yourself saying they should chat in their own time and yet you have chatted at work.

So that point is moot.

So your only reason why you want to ban this is so you can be nosy and hear what they are saying.

Again its none of your business and if they wanted you to join in they would be speaking in English.

So again what right have you to demand that you can be a nosy Parker and listen to what they are saying?

None

Its none of your buisness

I mean they made the effort to speak our language. So if you want to join in their conversation. Do what they did, learn their language, because they took time to learn ours. So why cant others, if they are so wanting to be involved in their conversation? As they would hold you in that much higher regard if you made the effort to speak their language. When they already do speak English themselves to you and others daily.

Accept none of you think of that, you demand people speak English and that you learn nothing yourself. You show respect by trying to learn their language. Not demand they speak English all the time. The fact is English will be their second language and thus many will feel far more comfortable speaking in their own language in conversation between their own native speakers. As many will have varying degrees of levels of speaking and understanding English. So its an no brainer why some will speak their first language in private conversations

The Canadians have a bi-lingual nation, French and English. They simply insist everything be done twice. Advertisements. Signs. Announcements.

I wonder if, in casual conversation, everything must be said twice? It could keep down the twitter.

Original Quill wrote:The Canadians have a bi-lingual nation, French and English.  They simply insist everything be done twice.  Advertisements.  Signs. Announcements.

I wonder if, in casual conversation, everything must be said twice?  It could keep down the twitter.

Good grief - it's bad enough hearing some things once, let alone twice.

Thorin wrote:

Syl wrote:

Yes I have chatted to colleagues in company time, but I haven't whispered or excluded others who were within earshot.

Speaking in a language only a minority understand is the equivalent to that  imo.
If they want to do that off duty that's up to them of course.

So you just contradicted yourself saying they should chat in their own time and yet you have chatted at work.

So that point is moot.

So your only reason why you want to ban this is so you can be nosy and hear what they are saying.

Again its none of your business and if they wanted you to join in they would be speaking in English.

So again what right have you to demand that you can be a nosy Parker and listen to what they are saying?

None

Its none of your buisness

I don't want to hear what they are saying Thor...I neither work nor shop in Sports direct so it doesn't affect me one way or the other.

I do think in ANY workplace its a bit ignorant to exclude other members of staff by speaking in a language knowing that only a minority of others will understand....it doesn't make for harmonious working conditions obviously.

Syl wrote:

Thorin wrote:


So you just contradicted yourself saying they should chat in their own time and yet you have chatted at work.

So that point is moot.

So your only reason why you want to ban this is so you can be nosy and hear what they are saying.

Again its none of your business and if they wanted you to join in they would be speaking in English.

So again what right have you to demand that you can be a nosy Parker and listen to what they are saying?

None

Its none of your buisness

I don't want to hear what they are saying Thor...I neither work nor shop in Sports direct so it doesn't affect me one way or the other.

I do think in ANY workplace its a bit ignorant to exclude other members of staff by speaking in a language knowing that only a minority of others will understand....it doesn't make for  harmonious working conditions obviously.

So if you do not want to hear what they are saying, why do they need to speak in English?
Is it not better then that they are speaking in their mother tongue.

Where does this concept come from that you must automatically be included in someone else's conversation?

It's just made up nonsense. I have seen many English people talk with themselves at work and not include those who are foreign. Mainly as those foreign sometimes they do not understand everything being said. As again everyone is not fluent but has a working understanding. Now all people get along at work and I do not see any inharmonious situation. If you want be included in something, then you politely ask.

I grew up with my dad when speaking to his brothers or sisters when over speaking Maltese. I never once asked that they speak English, as this is what felt most comfortable talking in. Even though they were all fluent in English. They were having private conversations and I respected that. When they wanted others to join in they spoke English. 

I mean you are placing the emphasis on them, when they have already learnt English. As i stated already.

They made the effort to speak our language. So if you want to join in their conversation. Do what they did, learn their language, because they took time to learn ours. So why cant others, if they are so wanting to be involved in their conversation? As they would hold you in that much higher regard if you made the effort to speak their language. When they already do speak English themselves to you and others daily.

Accept none of you think of that, you demand people speak English and that you learn nothing yourself. You show respect by trying to learn their language. Not demand they speak English all the time. The fact is English will be their second language and thus many will feel far more comfortable speaking in their own language in conversation between their own native speakers. As many will have varying degrees of levels of speaking and understanding English. So its an no brainer why some will speak their first language in private conversations

Raggamuffin wrote:

Original Quill wrote:The Canadians have a bi-lingual nation, French and English.  They simply insist everything be done twice.  Advertisements.  Signs. Announcements.

I wonder if, in casual conversation, everything must be said twice?  It could keep down the twitter.

Good grief - it's bad enough hearing some things once, let alone twice.

There's a comedy film entitled Canadian Bacon, starring John Candy. In one scene he's driving a lorry with lots of graffiti on the side. The RCMP pulls him over, not for any driving offenses, but hands him a spray can and tells him all signs must be bilingual. The Mountie makes him reproduce the graffiti in French before proceeding.

Thorin wrote:

Syl wrote:

I don't want to hear what they are saying Thor...I neither work nor shop in Sports direct so it doesn't affect me one way or the other.

I do think in ANY workplace its a bit ignorant to exclude other members of staff by speaking in a language knowing that only a minority of others will understand....it doesn't make for  harmonious working conditions obviously.

So if you do not want to hear what they are saying, why do they need to speak in English?
Is it not better then that they are speaking in their mother tongue.

Where does this concept come from that you must automatically be included in someone else's conversation?

It's just made up nonsense. I have seen many English people talk with themselves at work and not include those who are foreign. Mainly as those foreign sometimes they do not understand everything being said. As again everyone is not fluent but has a working understanding. Now all people get along at work and I do not see any inharmonious situation. If you want be included in something, then you politely ask.

I grew up with my dad when speaking to his brothers or sisters when over speaking Maltese. I never once asked that they speak English, as this is what felt most comfortable talking in. Even though they were all fluent in English. They were having private conversations and I respected that. When they wanted others to join in they spoke English. 

I mean you are placing the emphasis on them, when they have already learnt English. As i stated already.

They made the effort to speak our language. So if you want to join in their conversation. Do what they did, learn their language, because they took time to learn ours. So why cant others, if they are so wanting to be involved in their conversation? As they would hold you in that much higher regard if you made the effort to speak their language. When they already do speak English themselves to you and others daily.

Accept none of you think of that, you demand people speak English and that you learn nothing yourself. You show respect by trying to learn their language. Not demand they speak English all the time. The fact is English will be their second language and thus many will feel far more comfortable speaking in their own language in conversation between their own native speakers. As many will have varying degrees of levels of speaking and understanding English. So its an no brainer why some will speak their first language in private conversations

Oh I agree that in none English speaking countries we cant go over and expect others to speak our language....and I do think Brits are very bad at learning different languages, we are lazy in that respect.
This isn't the case here though is it. Every Welsh person speaks English...The majority of Welsh people neither speak nor understand Welsh.

Your own personal experiences obviously affect your views. I went out with a Greek Cypriot man for years before I met my OH...he always spoke English when I was there, even though it obviously wasn't his first language.
When we were with his friends and family he always asked them to speak English too...which I greatly appreciated.

Syl wrote:

Thorin wrote:


So if you do not want to hear what they are saying, why do they need to speak in English?
Is it not better then that they are speaking in their mother tongue.

Where does this concept come from that you must automatically be included in someone else's conversation?

It's just made up nonsense. I have seen many English people talk with themselves at work and not include those who are foreign. Mainly as those foreign sometimes they do not understand everything being said. As again everyone is not fluent but has a working understanding. Now all people get along at work and I do not see any inharmonious situation. If you want be included in something, then you politely ask.

I grew up with my dad when speaking to his brothers or sisters when over speaking Maltese. I never once asked that they speak English, as this is what felt most comfortable talking in. Even though they were all fluent in English. They were having private conversations and I respected that. When they wanted others to join in they spoke English. 

I mean you are placing the emphasis on them, when they have already learnt English. As i stated already.

They made the effort to speak our language. So if you want to join in their conversation. Do what they did, learn their language, because they took time to learn ours. So why cant others, if they are so wanting to be involved in their conversation? As they would hold you in that much higher regard if you made the effort to speak their language. When they already do speak English themselves to you and others daily.

Accept none of you think of that, you demand people speak English and that you learn nothing yourself. You show respect by trying to learn their language. Not demand they speak English all the time. The fact is English will be their second language and thus many will feel far more comfortable speaking in their own language in conversation between their own native speakers. As many will have varying degrees of levels of speaking and understanding English. So its an no brainer why some will speak their first language in private conversations

Oh I agree that in none English speaking countries we cant go over and expect others to speak our language....and I do think Brits are very bad at learning different languages, we are lazy in that respect.
This isn't the case here though is it. Every Welsh person speaks English...The majority of Welsh people neither speak nor understand Welsh.

Your own personal experiences obviously affect your views. I went out with a Greek Cypriot man for years before I met my OH...he always spoke English when I was there, even though it obviously wasn't his first language.
When we were with his friends and family he always asked them to speak English too...which I greatly appreciated.

Many Welsh people will be bilingual within a couple of generations, as they only made in compulsory 17 years ago.

So your example again shows the laziness of people, how they did not even try to learn his language. The whole emphasis was placed on him. To me you show more respect to a person by trying to learn and speak their language, whether in this country or abroad. To expect people to speak English and not try and learn theirs is to me lazy. I mean i can see he made the effort, but did you with his language and family? This is not knocking you but I think a poor cultural aspect the British have. How because they once dominated a quarter of the world, they think they do not have to make an effort speaking someones language. I am certainly not fluent in languages, but make the effort to learn how to greet people in their languages etc.

Hopefully with such a multi-cultured nation, this poor attitude will change.

Syl wrote:I spend a lot of time in Wales and I don't hear that many people speaking it tbh.
It is their national language and is taught in schools often as their second language.

I do think when working they should speak  the language everyone understands ...which is English.

My family is Welsh on my mother's side. She spoke it but would not have dreamed of speaking it to another person when there were non-Welsh speaking people in the room with them. It's downright rude. All Welsh people speak English so it's no hardship for them.

HoratioTarr wrote:

Syl wrote:I spend a lot of time in Wales and I don't hear that many people speaking it tbh.
It is their national language and is taught in schools often as their second language.

I do think when working they should speak  the language everyone understands ...which is English.

My family is  Welsh on my mother's side.  She spoke it but would not have dreamed of speaking it to another person when there were non-Welsh speaking people in the room with them.    It's downright rude.  All Welsh people speak English so it's no hardship for them.    

And why is it not a hardship for you to learn welsh?

To expect others to speak your language when in private conversation, is what is down right rude. When its none of your business.

So you give an example of a warped concept. Where again the British still think they rule the waves and demand everyone speak English as they once did before.

Again its not up to you to demand anything of anyone when they are having a private conversation

Thorin wrote:

Syl wrote:

Oh I agree that in none English speaking countries we cant go over and expect others to speak our language....and I do think Brits are very bad at learning different languages, we are lazy in that respect.
This isn't the case here though is it. Every Welsh person speaks English...The majority of Welsh people neither speak nor understand Welsh.

Your own personal experiences obviously affect your views. I went out with a Greek Cypriot man for years before I met my OH...he always spoke English when I was there, even though it obviously wasn't his first language.
When we were with his friends and family he always asked them to speak English too...which I greatly appreciated.

Many Welsh people will be bilingual within a couple of generations, as they only made in compulsory 17 years ago.

So your example again shows the laziness of people, how they did not even try to learn his language. The whole emphasis was placed on him. To me you show more respect to a person by trying to learn and speak their language, whether in this country or abroad. To expect people to speak English and not try and learn theirs is to me lazy. I mean i can see he made the effort, but did you with his language and family? This is not knocking you but I think a poor cultural aspect the British have. How because they once dominated a quarter of the world, they think they do not have to make an effort speaking someones language. I am certainly not fluent in languages, but make the effort to learn how to greet people in their languages etc.

Hopefully with such a multi-cultured nation, this poor attitude will change.

I learned a few key phrases, but no...I could have done better.

One of the reasons I don't live abroad now is because I cant speak Spanish, Greek or Italian and tbh I don't think I could learn now....brains not as sharp as it needs to be.
If a person lives in a country they should always speak the language....I don't like the way so many Brits abroad live amongst ex pats and never venture and mix with the locals.

One of the problems with immigrants here is that some cant speak the language....its a huge barrier when you cant communicate properly.

Syl wrote:

Thorin wrote:


Many Welsh people will be bilingual within a couple of generations, as they only made in compulsory 17 years ago.

So your example again shows the laziness of people, how they did not even try to learn his language. The whole emphasis was placed on him. To me you show more respect to a person by trying to learn and speak their language, whether in this country or abroad. To expect people to speak English and not try and learn theirs is to me lazy. I mean i can see he made the effort, but did you with his language and family? This is not knocking you but I think a poor cultural aspect the British have. How because they once dominated a quarter of the world, they think they do not have to make an effort speaking someones language. I am certainly not fluent in languages, but make the effort to learn how to greet people in their languages etc.

Hopefully with such a multi-cultured nation, this poor attitude will change.

I learned a few key phrases, but no...I could have done better.

One of the reasons I don't live abroad now is because I cant speak Spanish, Greek or Italian and tbh I don't think I could learn now....brains not as sharp as it needs to be.
If a person lives in a country they should always speak the language....I don't like the way so many Brits abroad live amongst ex pats and never venture and mix with the locals.

One of the problems with immigrants here is that some cant speak the language....its a huge barrier when you cant communicate properly.

There you go and make my point exactly Syl.

You could have done better.

The reality is some British people are downright ignorant by demanding people speak English, when they are not even in conversation with them. As I say those foreign have different levels of English and even if they are fluent, its up to them if they want to converse in Welsh or Spanish ert. The vast majority of foreigners do speak English. You find those who do not tend to be wives brought over from Pakistan, Bangladesh etc. Where they are married as housewives and not integrated into society. That is wrong and needs to be addressed.

You say Spain though where in many areas of Spain where ex-pats are and all they speak is English.

The reality is only within conversation with those who do not speak their language, other employees or customers, friends should they speak English. Though friends should at least try to learn their language. Not just expect they speak English all the time.

If two Welsh people are in conversation with each other in Welsh at work. That is nobody else's business. Those casting them as rude, are the ones who are being ignorant here, because again they claim to be offended, by claiming its rude. To then try to enforce their views. Which is the same as those religious being intolerant based on taking offense of something they claim is rude.

In other words such an argument is sheer bullshit and born from intolerance.

Thorin wrote:

Syl wrote:

I learned a few key phrases, but no...I could have done better.

One of the reasons I don't live abroad now is because I cant speak Spanish, Greek or Italian and tbh I don't think I could learn now....brains not as sharp as it needs to be.
If a person lives in a country they should always speak the language....I don't like the way so many Brits abroad live amongst ex pats and never venture and mix with the locals.

One of the problems with immigrants here is that some cant speak the language....its a huge barrier when you cant communicate properly.

There you go and make my point exactly Syl.

You could have done better.

The reality is some British people are downright ignorant by demanding people speak English, when they are not even in conversation with them. As I say those foreign have different levels of English and even if they are fluent, its up to them if they want to converse in Welsh or Spanish. The vast majority of foreigners do speak English. You find those who do not tend to be wives brought over from Pakistan, Bangladesh etc. Where they are married as housewives and not integrated into society. That is wrong and needs to be addressed.

You say Spain though where in many areas of Spain where ex-pats are and all they speak is English.

The reality is only within conversation with those who do not speak their language, other employees or customers, should they speak English. If two welsh people are in conversation with each other in welsh at work. That is nobody else's business. Those casting them as rude, are the ones who are being ignorant here, because again they claim to be offended, to then try to enforce their views. Which is the same as religious intolerance

No I don't make your point Thor because its a completely different situation.

Communication in the workplace should be understood by all...even if the welsh people are speaking privately, its deliberately excluding others, which could cause ill feeling, as it obviously has done here....hence the OP.

Its not a matter of being nosy its more a matter of working together to create a harmonious atmosphere...and if there are different languages being spoken and the majority of the workers are being excluded by this, its creating a problem that needn't exist.

Syl wrote:

Thorin wrote:


There you go and make my point exactly Syl.

You could have done better.

The reality is some British people are downright ignorant by demanding people speak English, when they are not even in conversation with them. As I say those foreign have different levels of English and even if they are fluent, its up to them if they want to converse in Welsh or Spanish. The vast majority of foreigners do speak English. You find those who do not tend to be wives brought over from Pakistan, Bangladesh etc. Where they are married as housewives and not integrated into society. That is wrong and needs to be addressed.

You say Spain though where in many areas of Spain where ex-pats are and all they speak is English.

The reality is only within conversation with those who do not speak their language, other employees or customers, should they speak English. If two welsh people are in conversation with each other in welsh at work. That is nobody else's business. Those casting them as rude, are the ones who are being ignorant here, because again they claim to be offended, to then try to enforce their views. Which is the same as religious intolerance

No I don't make your point Thor because its a completely different situation.

Communication in the workplace should be understood by all...even if the welsh people are speaking privately, its deliberately excluding others, which could cause ill feeling, as it obviously has done here....hence the OP.

Its not a matter of being nosy its more a matter of working together to create a harmonious atmosphere...and if there are different languages being spoken and the majority of the workers are being excluded by this, its creating a problem that needn't exist.

You did, as its not a different situation at all.

How on Satan's butt is it excluding people if they are in conversation within themselves?

Are you telling me now everyone in a pub or anywhere has to include you in a conversation?

Most would tell you to jog on.

You keep coming out with this utter crap about working together creating a harmonious atmosphere?

On what level of bullshit are you talking about?

So if two people speak together in private, in their language this is going to effect people how?

By some made up offense you have taken off this?

Does this not then mean you are the problem and not them?

If they excluded you completely at work in all forms of conversation, then they would be being prejudiced towards you. Two people speaking within themselves sometimes in private conversations is not doing that. Just because your sensitivities are hurt over something you have created yourselves. Means you are the problem not them. As how on earth would it ever be a problem, if they converses with you also within the day in English?

It never would, again its some made up in-sensitivities, because you wish to enforce your backward views on something. All of which you have created yourself. Like i say its like when religious people get upset because someone takes the mick out of their religion.

I will say the same to them as i would to anyone demanding people have to speak English all the time, because you are offended over it.

Grow up.

Syl wrote:

Thorin wrote:


There you go and make my point exactly Syl.

You could have done better.

The reality is some British people are downright ignorant by demanding people speak English, when they are not even in conversation with them. As I say those foreign have different levels of English and even if they are fluent, its up to them if they want to converse in Welsh or Spanish. The vast majority of foreigners do speak English. You find those who do not tend to be wives brought over from Pakistan, Bangladesh etc. Where they are married as housewives and not integrated into society. That is wrong and needs to be addressed.

You say Spain though where in many areas of Spain where ex-pats are and all they speak is English.

The reality is only within conversation with those who do not speak their language, other employees or customers, should they speak English. If two welsh people are in conversation with each other in welsh at work. That is nobody else's business. Those casting them as rude, are the ones who are being ignorant here, because again they claim to be offended, to then try to enforce their views. Which is the same as religious intolerance

No I don't make your point Thor because its a completely different situation.

Communication in the workplace should be understood by all...even if the welsh people are speaking privately, its deliberately excluding others, which could cause ill feeling, as it obviously has done here....hence the OP.

Its not a matter of being nosy its more a matter of working together to create a harmonious atmosphere...and if there are different languages being spoken and the majority of the workers are being excluded by this, its creating a problem that needn't exist.

Spot on!

Raggamuffin wrote:

Syl wrote:

No I don't make your point Thor because its a completely different situation.

Communication in the workplace should be understood by all...even if the welsh people are speaking privately, its deliberately excluding others, which could cause ill feeling, as it obviously has done here....hence the OP.

Its not a matter of being nosy its more a matter of working together to create a harmonious atmosphere...and if there are different languages being spoken and the majority of the workers are being excluded by this, its creating a problem that needn't exist.

Spot on!

The same points to you

You did, as its not a different situation at all.

How on Satan's butt is it excluding people if they are in conversation within themselves?

Are you telling me now everyone in a pub or anywhere has to include you in a conversation?

Most would tell you to jog on.

You keep coming out with this utter crap about working together creating a harmonious atmosphere?

On what level of bullshit are you talking about?

So if two people speak together in private, in their language this is going to effect people how?

By some made up offense you have taken off this?

Does this not then mean you are the problem and not them?

If they excluded you completely at work in all forms of conversation, then they would be being prejudiced towards you. Two people speaking within themselves sometimes in private conversations is not doing that. Just because your sensitivities are hurt over something you have created yourselves. Means you are the problem not them. As how on earth would it ever be a problem, if they converses with you also within the day in English?

It never would, again its some made up in-sensitivities, because you wish to enforce your backward views on something. All of which you have created yourself. Like i say its like when religious people get upset because someone takes the mick out of their religion.

I will say the same to them as i would to anyone demanding people have to speak English all the time, because you are offended over it.

Grow up.

Thorin wrote:

Syl wrote:

Thorin wrote:


There you go and make my point exactly Syl.

You could have done better.

The reality is some British people are downright ignorant by demanding people speak English, when they are not even in conversation with them. As I say those foreign have different levels of English and even if they are fluent, its up to them if they want to converse in Welsh or Spanish. The vast majority of foreigners do speak English. You find those who do not tend to be wives brought over from Pakistan, Bangladesh etc. Where they are married as housewives and not integrated into society. That is wrong and needs to be addressed.

You say Spain though where in many areas of Spain where ex-pats are and all they speak is English.

The reality is only within conversation with those who do not speak their language, other employees or customers, should they speak English. If two welsh people are in conversation with each other in welsh at work. That is nobody else's business. Those casting them as rude, are the ones who are being ignorant here, because again they claim to be offended, to then try to enforce their views. Which is the same as religious intolerance

No I don't make your point Thor because its a completely different situation.

Communication in the workplace should be understood by all...even if the welsh people are speaking privately, its deliberately excluding others, which could cause ill feeling, as it obviously has done here....hence the OP.

Its not a matter of being nosy its more a matter of working together to create a harmonious atmosphere...and if there are different languages being spoken and the majority of the workers are being excluded by this, its creating a problem that needn't exist.

You did, as its not a different situation at all.

How on Satan's butt is it excluding people if they are in conversation within themselves?

Are you telling me now everyone in a pub or anywhere has to include you in a conversation?

Most would tell you to jog on.

You keep coming out with this utter crap about working together creating a harmonious atmosphere?

On what level of bullshit are you talking about?

So if two people speak together in private, in their language this is going to effect people how?

By some made up offense you have taken off this?

Does this not then mean you are the problem and not them?

If they excluded you completely at work in all forms of conversation, then they would be being prejudiced towards you. Two people speaking within themselves sometimes in private conversations is not doing that. Just because your sensitivities are hurt over something you have created yourselves. Means you are the problem not them. As how on earth would it ever be a problem, if they converses with you also within the day in English?

It never would, again its some made up in-sensitivities, because you wish to enforce your backward views on something. All of which you have created yourself. Like i say its like when religious people get upset because someone takes the mick out of their religion.

I will say the same to them as i would to anyone demanding people have to speak English all the time, because you are offended over it.

Grow up.

+1

Some people clearly don't understand the concept of harmony in the work place. They're probably the ones getting into arguments all the time.

Raggamuffin wrote:

Syl wrote:

No I don't make your point Thor because its a completely different situation.

Communication in the workplace should be understood by all...even if the welsh people are speaking privately, its deliberately excluding others, which could cause ill feeling, as it obviously has done here....hence the OP.

Its not a matter of being nosy its more a matter of working together to create a harmonious atmosphere...and if there are different languages being spoken and the majority of the workers are being excluded by this, its creating a problem that needn't exist.

Spot on!

Thank you.

Lord Foul wrote:

Thorin wrote:


You did, as its not a different situation at all.

How on Satan's butt is it excluding people if they are in conversation within themselves?

Are you telling me now everyone in a pub or anywhere has to include you in a conversation?

Most would tell you to jog on.

You keep coming out with this utter crap about working together creating a harmonious atmosphere?

On what level of bullshit are you talking about?

So if two people speak together in private, in their language this is going to effect people how?

By some made up offense you have taken off this?

Does this not then mean you are the problem and not them?

If they excluded you completely at work in all forms of conversation, then they would be being prejudiced towards you. Two people speaking within themselves sometimes in private conversations is not doing that. Just because your sensitivities are hurt over something you have created yourselves. Means you are the problem not them. As how on earth would it ever be a problem, if they converses with you also within the day in English?

It never would, again its some made up in-sensitivities, because you wish to enforce your backward views on something. All of which you have created yourself. Like i say its like when religious people get upset because someone takes the mick out of their religion.

I will say the same to them as i would to anyone demanding people have to speak English all the time, because you are offended over it.

Grow up.

+1

So do you speak Welsh or English when in Wales?

Raggamuffin wrote:Some people clearly don't understand the concept of harmony in the work place. They're probably the ones getting into arguments all the time.

I do but you do not, as you wish to enforce demands on other employees, that they need not do when  not in conversation with you. Just because you are offended that sometimes they speak within themselves. Which means you are insecure. As it would not matter if all the employees were English. If you feel excluded because you are not part of every conversation, then you are the problem. Not them. Hence you are the one causing the problems.

The thing is, those employees or bosses who don't speak Welsh won't know if a conversation in Welsh is about work or about other stuff, hence the ban.

Thorin wrote:

Raggamuffin wrote:Some people clearly don't understand the concept of harmony in the work place. They're probably the ones getting into arguments all the time.

I do but you do not, as you wish to enforce demands on other employees, that they need not do when  not in conversation with you. Just because you are offended that sometimes they speak within themselves. Which means you are insecure. If you feel excluded because you are not part of every conversation, then you are the problem. Not them. Hence you are the one causing the problems.

Would you find it acceptable for your workmates to whisper to each other...or talk behind their hands so no one else could hear?
The outcome is the same...they are excluding others whether those others are interested or not.

Raggamuffin wrote:The thing is, those employees or bosses who don't speak Welsh won't know if a conversation in Welsh is about work or about other stuff, hence the ban.

So we now go from insecure to paranoia.
What can i say, if people think others are speaking about them?
Are they not then creating a problem for themselves again?
If people at work are going to speak behind your back at work, they will do in English or any language. It would not matter. Hence the absurdity of your point.

Syl wrote:

Thorin wrote:

I do but you do not, as you wish to enforce demands on other employees, that they need not do when  not in conversation with you. Just because you are offended that sometimes they speak within themselves. Which means you are insecure. If you feel excluded because you are not part of every conversation, then you are the problem. Not them. Hence you are the one causing the problems.

Would you find it acceptable for your workmates to whisper to each other...or talk behind their hands so no one else could hear?
The outcome is the same...they are excluding others whether those others are interested or not.

Yes. That is because its a private conversation, which is none of my business. I its my business, they will come and tell me.

They may well be talking about a dickhead boss, which they don;t want a tatter-tale to hear and go running to the boss.

It may well be a surprise they are going to make for someone like a birthday. Hence why unlike you, I do not immediately think negatively if two people were.

So you are talking utter crap again. What gives you the right to be included in every conversation?

Nothing and if you feel that you do, then you are the issue, not them.

so all conversations at work, even ones private to 2 people should also be held at an outwardly audible level and publicly announced via tannoy ???
You are saying that at work there is no reasonable expectation of privacy?

no this attitude that "you MUST SPEAKADA ENGISH" is driven by paranoia and moronic noseyness.

Parts of wales whare I travel seem to have most of that 11% of native welsh speakers, and all seem to switch as a matter of courtesy IF they know that I'm an english speaker, but sometimes they do not...I dont automatically assume they are talking about me.....

oh and I try at least to be polite and give my please and thanks in welsh....

Thorin wrote:

Raggamuffin wrote:The thing is, those employees or bosses who don't speak Welsh won't know if a conversation in Welsh is about work or about other stuff, hence the ban.

So we now go from insecure to paranoia.
What can i say, if people think others are speaking about them?
Are they not then creating a problem for themselves again?
If people at work are going to speak behind your back at work, they will do in English or any language. It would not matter. Hence the absurdity of your point.

You misunderstand as usual. If they're talking about work stuff, others may need to know what's being said. They work in retail, and it's difficult to get everyone together to pass on information.

Of course, if I had said Sports Direct were wrong, you would have chosen the opposite point of view - you can't fool everyone all the time Didgey.

Raggamuffin wrote:

Thorin wrote:


So we now go from insecure to paranoia.
What can i say, if people think others are speaking about them?
Are they not then creating a problem for themselves again?
If people at work are going to speak behind your back at work, they will do in English or any language. It would not matter. Hence the absurdity of your point.

You misunderstand as usual. If they're talking about work stuff, others may need to know what's being said. They work in retail, and it's difficult to get everyone together to pass on information.

Of course, if I had said Sports Direct were wrong, you would have chosen the opposite point of view - you can't fool everyone all the time Didgey.

Why would they need to know if its private between themselves?

Again I have already said if its work related and they need to let others know, then they should correlate in English to those colleagues.

I have already been over this on this thread.

Then you misdirect and claim I would argue the opposite, when I already argue against those who take offense with the mick taking out of their religion. This is the same here. Anyone insensitive over others speaking English are idiots and the problem here. Hence you throwing up desperation misdirection

What they say in private to each other though is their buisness, not yours

Lord Foul wrote:so all conversations at work, even ones private to 2 people should also be held at an outwardly audible level and publicly announced via tannoy ???
You are saying that at work there is no reasonable expectation of privacy?

no this attitude that "you MUST SPEAKADA ENGISH" is driven by paranoia and moronic noseyness.

Parts of wales whare I travel seem to have most of that 11% of native welsh speakers, and all seem to switch as a matter of courtesy IF they know that I'm an english speaker, but sometimes they do not...I dont automatically assume they are talking about me.....

oh and I try at least to be polite and give my please and thanks in welsh....

Have a thanks.

Great points.

Also, most of the customers probably don't speak Welsh, and it's rude to speak Welsh in front of them.