Workers banned for not speaking English.

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail....ge-health-safety.html

This all seems a little too extreme on Waterstones part, health and safety or not.

But it does raise the topical issue of foreign nationals settling into this country speaking in their native tongue.

David Cameron recently brought the matter up by suggesting that benefits could be cut if some refuse to learn English, also a little extreme maybe.

But the fact remains that because some refuse to learn to speak and read English, other problems occur. Take for example the matter of the cost to the taxpayer of providing interpreters:

The need to erect notices in public buildings all in a multitude of different languages:

The need to print extra amounts of paper publications also in different languages:

And then there is the problem of classes of school children where only a minority of pupils speak English.

Apart from all these, I learnt today that in some hospitals patients are put at risk simply because some nurses cannot speak English, and that content notices put on the doors of storage cabinets are being replaced by pictures of what the cabinet contains.

[pa___ul3]

Given that my lass was one of 250 applicants for 25 roles in a hospital in Liverpool a few weeks ago, I think they can afford to select those with a good grasp of English but comprehension issues can arise between Brits too, try listening to Peter Beardsley! There's been times when southerners haven't been able to make out what I've been saying and my accent is far from harsh.
I speak 6 languages and I've lived in Spain, there are Spanish speaking people I can understand very easily and others, for example people from Huelva, that none of the English people I knew could understand, that's just the way it is with accents.
Regarding two people speaking in their native tongue amongst themselves, that's just natural, if you feel uncomfortable with it you shouldn't be eaves dropping in the first place!

[ichkeria]

"Yes and isn't it also the French who are the only country not to speak in English at the Eurovision Song Contest?

Not quite, but good for them I say.
Actually Parisians are just unfriendly, by and large. It's nothing to do with the language particularly. And I wonder how far a French person would get in London if he refused to speak English ...

Surely it depends on the job as to whether one should speak English or not, and also the available of English-speaking candidates willing/able to do that job.

[gina32]

my father was at a hospital appointment and two women were complaining in their own language about the time they had to wait, it turns out they had to wait because they couldnt speak english and they had to wait for an interpreter to accompy them into the doctor! a cheek to complain imo

[anotheoldgit]

pa___ul3

/// Regarding two people speaking in their native tongue amongst themselves, that's just natural, if you feel uncomfortable with it you shouldn't be eaves dropping in the first place! ///

It can also be considered extremely rude, if they are in the same company as you.

There have been cases when a tourist has entered a shop in North Wales, and the customers that are already in the shop, will cease from speaking English and begin to speak in their Welsh national tongue.

[pa___ul3]

I don't understand how it is rude, and it's a little hypocritical to be offended by Welsh people speaking Welsh in Wales! I regularly used to speak in Spanish to an English friend who spoke Spanish if it was about something I didn't want others to know about. Why do you need to understand what people are saying in a private conversation?

[gina32]

i wasnt eaves dropping they were shouting it out, so before you accuse me i suggest you get the facts right first, and regards the welsh people, they are in thier own country so why not speak the language

[gina32]

aog sorry post crossed, i think

[pa___ul3]

whoah gina, I said it was eaves dropping before you posted your post! I'm guessing you're annoyance was with the fact they were complaining which is fair enough, I'm just saying we shouldn't be offended because we can't understand what someone is saying in a conversation that has nothing to do with us.

[gina32]

as i said, they werent whispering they were talking very loud, shouting, and complaining as we ALL found out later, i wasnt offened that i didnt know what they were saying i thought it was a cheek for them to complain that they had to wait, dont like it, there is always a plane back home

[Old Salt]

If they don't want to learn English fine. But, they will then have to provide an interpreter.

Every foreign country I have visited was nice, considerate and would try to help me (and my phrase book). However, if I needed to converse properly in their language, it was down to me to bring someone able to translate.

The police have a huge budge supplying translators, which to me seems totally wrong and wasting our taxes.

Old Salt

[joko]

make them pay for, or provide their own interpreters... if the staff just shrugged at them and said they couldnt help if they didnt undertsand, instead of busting a gut to accommodate them, they would soon learn english...

they onus should be on the foreign person who wants something to make themselves understood to the english speaking person who they want something, rather than expecting them to sort it out for them.

if someone came to me and asked me to help paint their wall for them, as a favour - but refused to go an get the paint and brushes or make an effort whatsoever and just stood there shrugging and expecting me to do it for them ...well their wall simply wouldnt get painted...

[craft1948]

It was in the news not so long ago about a British company that would only hire Poles as any English employees wouldn't be able to communicate with the majority of the workforce.......

[emmie]

Ickeria, a good deal further i can safely say. If i am asked for directions, i would do my best to help, though i am not fluent in French. As i would to anyone, not all Londoners are unhelpful, besides most restaurants i know aren't staffed by English people. In Paris ask for anything and they give you a snort of derision, and walk off.

[trt]

The quickest and simple way to stop foreign nationals, illegal immigrants etc settling into this country only speaking in their native tongue, would be not to give them any benefits, including the NHS etc.

This would save us, the British taxpayers Millions and, maybe they would leave are shores, or not try to get in, in the first place!!!!!

Just MHO.

[anotheoldgit]

Quite agree trt, it's like a non-member walking into a golf club and expecting to use all the facilities and obtaining all the services, that come with being a fully paid-up member.

[murraymints]

As an Edinburgher i have difficulty in understanding the wegies often...(glasgow folks)

[THECORBYLOON]

Why should someone who works and pays tax & NI be prevented from using the NHS just because they don't speak a UK language? They are a "member" of the "club" so why should they not get the same benefits?

[jomifl]

Pilots of French airliners have to speak French to air traffic control when in French airspace, elswhere they speak English.

[didoatwork]

The language problem is nothing new. Over 20 years ago I had an appointment with a consultant from the sub continent and could not understand a word he said!

[joeluke]

Plenty of foreigners where I work......some are ok, others not

Many are ignorant with no manners

Upon entry into our country they should be made to learn basic English.......and also basic manners, first words they should be taught are please and thank you