Awkward situation: what do you do when a customer refuses/unable to speak English?

[wilson_wu]

I'm Chinese and every now and then, a Chinese customer will come up to me and immediately start speaking to me in Cantonese or Mandarin. This is annoying, to say the least, but most will understand when I politely wave and say I do not speak/understand that language.

But just this past month, I had a customer that would/could not speak English. She had an issue with the product at the point of sale and asked me in Mandarin something, at which point I told her I did not understand. She was flustered and relentless, just looked at me kept going on and on in Mandarin as if I completely understood what she was saying. This put me in an awkward position as nobody at my store spoke Mandarin, nobody around me was Chinese. Not to mention, this Mandarin rambling went on for a good 5-7 minutes before people in line started yelling at her to "move it".

I did attempt helping her though. I ordered a price check and had another employee tell her it was the correct price. I had a supervisor (white lady lol) come but had no idea how that was going to help. After that point, there was nothing else that could be done because I didnt even know what the hell she wanted. lol

What are you supposed to do in awkward positions like this? You can't refuse the customer service. This was the first time ever I found myself in a "WTF am I supposed to do" position at work. It is annoying though that this woman made absolutely no effort to communicate with me. No hand gestures. No numbers. Not even a little bit of broken english. She just stood there and ranted in Mandarin. I understand there are lots of people out there with language barriers, but cmon a little effort would be appreciated.

[arclite]

We always had chinese employees available to help. We even had one regular, he kept on calling and when one of us answered the phone he said "CHINESE!" and from that point on we knew we had to just find a chinese employee to help him.

Whenever you find yourself in a similar situation, try and find an employee who can translate. Doesn't matter which dialect of chinese, find an employee and hope he/she can speak the same dialect, if not, they will find someone who can.

I am going to rant for a bit, if you come to a country and live there, learn the damn official language. If I went to China would I expect everyone to speak english? No, of course not. Why do they expect that everyone speak Mandarin in Canada? The official languages of Canada are French and English. Learn one of them.

[Avenger]

I am going to rant for a bit, if you come to a country and live there, learn the damn official language. If I went to China would I expect everyone to speak english? No, of course not. Why do they expect that everyone speak Mandarin in Canada? The official languages of Canada are French and English. Learn one of them.

I am glad you said that - I was getting a bit concerned with the direction this thread was going. Simple solution, as you said. "Welcome to Canada, we speak English here".

[brunes]

Seems to me you were being subjected to a bit of reverse-racism - she assumed because you looked Chinese that you spoke the language, and just didn't want to speak it out of spite or something.

I have a hard time thinking someone could live in Canada for any length of time without knowing at least enough English to get by day to day.

[sherman51]

I am going to rant for a bit, if you come to a country and live there, learn the damn official language. If I went to China would I expect everyone to speak english? No, of course not. Why do they expect that everyone speak Mandarin in Canada? The official languages of Canada are French and English. Learn one of them.

+1
I think we've moved too far to try to accomodate new people in this country. When my parents came over here they assimilated and learned the language and followed the Canadian culture while at the same time honoured theirs.
This woman should have figured it out and moved on but instead kept talking hoping you would be like everyone else and enable her.
It's OK to feel bad because we all try to help when we can, but sometimes you have to throw your hands up in the air and say "No comprende!"

[1337rice]

Seems to me you were being subjected to a bit of reverse-racism - she assumed because you looked Chinese that you spoke the language, and just didn't want to speak it out of spite or something.

I have a hard time thinking someone could live in Canada for any length of time without knowing at least enough English to get by day to day.

My parents have been here in Canada for 20 years now and they don't understand English. They're not having a hard time at all because Canada is a bit too accommodating. They do know a few basic words though...


I am glad you said that - I was getting a bit concerned with the direction this thread was going. Simple solution, as you said. "Welcome to Canada, we speak English here".

Yeah, sometimes I wonder if they friggin got here by boat or something. The amount of non-English speakers coming here are driving me crazy. When a customer comes up to me and speaks Mandarin, I either have to find a co-worker who speaks it, or I just say that "I don't understand" in Mandarin and they get my drift. They either walk away, they either talk in English or Cantonese, or they either give me this dirty look along with a couple of words like "You don't speak Mandarin??? You call yourself Chinese????" Well, sorry? My first language is English and my second language is Cantonese. I've grown up here for 20 years while you probably took a year to get here by boat or something.

[angy]

pretend you're vietnamese ;)

[Piro21]

pretend you're vietnamese ;)

Or Korean, or Japanese, or any other type of asian person, really. People from all corners of the world can look alike, so assuming that someone can speak a certain language because they're asian is an incredibly stupid thing to do. You don't see Indian people going up to a Spanish person and yelling at them because they don't understand Punjabi, so why does this woman think she can yell at you because you don't understand her language?

She should have left and come back with a family member who could speak English instead of just standing there ranting. If a Quebecker came into your store refusing to speak English it would be pretty obvious to them that you're not going to learn French in the next 15 seconds and that they need to seek another path, so why is it any different because the woman is Chinese?

[Cheap Cat]

Unfortunately, there are alot of people in this country who don't speak either official language. But it seems this woman was doing nothing to help herself because she assumed you spoke her language. I am not Chinese and definitely don't speak a word of it, but have helped Chinese speaking customers when I worked in a government office. You have to use a lot of gesturing and pointing to things to communicate but the other person has to be willing to make the effort as well. It is sort of like playing charades and does take patience but there are ways to communicate.

I do sympathize with you in having people assume you speak a certain language. When I worked in retail, people were always trying to guess my nationality by speaking to me in foreign languages. I get mistaken for a lot of different ethnicities even though I am Canadian and only speak English and some French.

[brunes]

My parents have been here in Canada for 20 years now and they don't understand English. They're not having a hard time at all because Canada is a bit too accommodating. They do know a few basic words though...


How do they shop, or for that matter, interact with any government services?

[Piro21]

How do they shop, or for that matter, interact with any government services?

From what I've seen of the folks in that situation, they just take an English-speaking family member with them whenever they go out.

[truel1111]

I would make up some story to make her go away. Pick up a phone, pretend you're talking on a phone.
Tell her to go somewhere that she can get help.

[Coz4k]

My parents have been here in Canada for 20 years now and they don't understand English. They're not having a hard time at all because Canada is a bit too accommodating. They do know a few basic words though...



Yeah, sometimes I wonder if they friggin got here by boat or something. The amount of non-English speakers coming here are driving me crazy. When a customer comes up to me and speaks Mandarin, I either have to find a co-worker who speaks it, or I just say that "I don't understand" in Mandarin and they get my drift. They either walk away, they either talk in English or Cantonese, or they either give me this dirty look along with a couple of words like "You don't speak Mandarin??? You call yourself Chinese????" Well, sorry? My first language is English and my second language is Cantonese. I've grown up here for 20 years while you probably took a year to get here by boat or something.

wtf

[hagbard]

Lived in HK for three months, all I learned was fai di la and Gualo. So I guess it works both ways.

[WHO]

We have the reverse problem here, in some stores in Montreal it's hard to get help in French. Of course, being the customer, I just turn around and leave. Very simple.

If, as in your situation, I was the clerk/store owner, it's a more delicate situation, as long as you take customer service seriously. But I guess some of them don't mind losing the business.

I don't think there's anymore more you could've donw since no one spoke chinese in the store. You did your best. As others said, this is Canada, speak English or French. Otherwise find your own means of transalation (an app, a family member, etc).

[jaxx lite]

The stereotype of people from Mainland China is that they do not know how to speak English.

For many many many years, Mainland China did not have contact with foreigners so they were not exposed to English

So it is surprising when you meet a person from Mainland China who can speak English

Hong Kong used to be a British colony so people from Hong Kong are able to speak some English

=

-

[rsasp]

Seems to me you were being subjected to a bit of reverse-racism - she assumed because you looked Chinese that you spoke the language, and just didn't want to speak it out of spite or something.

I have a hard time thinking someone could live in Canada for any length of time without knowing at least enough English to get by day to day.

Trust me, not only Chinese. But there are ton of Italian, Portuguese and Spanish people that hardly knows any English and they have been living in Canada for more than 30-40 years.

[amz155]

Yeah, sometimes I wonder if they friggin got here by boat or something. The amount of non-English speakers coming here are driving me crazy. When a customer comes up to me and speaks Mandarin, I either have to find a co-worker who speaks it, or I just say that "I don't understand" in Mandarin and they get my drift. They either walk away, they either talk in English or Cantonese, or they either give me this dirty look along with a couple of words like "You don't speak Mandarin??? You call yourself Chinese????" Well, sorry? My first language is English and my second language is Cantonese. I've grown up here for 20 years while you probably took a year to get here by boat or something.

Just respond by saying: "Actually, I call myself Canadian."

[jaxx lite]

The amount of non-English speakers coming here are driving me crazy.

My first language is English and my second language is Cantonese. I've grown up here for 20 years while you probably took a year to get here by boat or something.

If you go to a foreign country for vacation
and you can't speak Spanish, French, German, Croatian, Italian, Czech, Japanese, Mandarin, Arabic, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, etc etc
and you went up to people for help
and they are unable to help you because they don't speak English
= how would you feel?

some people might not want to help you because of the way you look (racism)
or prejudice towards your ethnicity

you might want to avoid certain countries for vacation (racism / violence against foreigners)

=

[gnuman]

We have the reverse problem here, in some stores in Montreal it's hard to get help in French. Of course, being the customer, I just turn around and leave. Very simple.

If, as in your situation, I was the clerk/store owner, it's a more delicate situation, as long as you take customer service seriously. But I guess some of them don't mind losing the business.

I don't think there's anymore more you could've donw since no one spoke chinese in the store. You did your best. As others said, this is Canada, speak English or French. Otherwise find your own means of transalation (an app, a family member, etc).

Can't get help in French or in English over here in Montreal? We got our stupid laws to force a language onto a population and create segregation which the government thinks it is fine and dandy and wonder why no one wants to invest in this province and oppress the Anglophones but that's a different story.

When my sister lived in Richmond Hill over a decade ago she goes you can take your drivers test in Cantonese or Mandarin. How is that possible when it's not an official language? I understand as a courtesy to help someone but there's only so much one can do.

[Chigu]

I've been living in South America for the past 4 months, and obviously can't hold a conversation in spanish, but the first thing I did was go to language classes and I have learned enough to live day to day. Ask directions, give directions, grocery shop etc. I remember ordering a Pizza over the phone and actually getting the right stuff delivered was a huge accomplishment. The way I look at it, I'm living in a latin american country, I can't go around hoping people speak English. It's my responsibility to learn their culture and language, not the other way around. However if I am trying to get something complicated, I do ask if anyone there speaks English. :)

[hitman_24]

Another awkward situation is when people speak their Native tongue around people whom they have no idea also speak their language.
In my case, my experiences were in retail, specifically customer service.
The look on their face when you respond back is priceless.



Also +1 to anyone who said welcome to canada, we spak english here. And I agree that Canada does overly accommodate those who don't speak English, and it's part of the reason some people don't learn it at all.
it should be mandatory to learn to become a citizen

[amz155]

If you go to a foreign country for vacation
and you can't speak Spanish, French, German, Croatian, Italian, Czech, Japanese, Mandarin, Arabic, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, etc etc
and you went up to people for help
and they are unable to help you because they don't speak English
= how would you feel?

some people might not want to help you because of the way you look (racism)
or prejudice towards your ethnicity

you might want to avoid certain countries for vacation (racism / violence against foreigners)

=

He wasn't talking about going on vacation. He was talking about people who LIVE in Canada.

Anyone who goes on vacation to a country that speaks a different language than their own and expects the people of the visited country to speak their language is an ignorant fool. When I was in Peru recently, there were so many Americans just assuming/expecting the locals to speak Spanish; and sometimes the dumb Americans would just speak more loudly or slowly in English expecting that to help a non-English speaker understand them. :facepalm::facepalm::facepalm: I never addressed a local in anything other than Spanish (didn't bother attempting convo with those that spoke Quechua). If they switched to English, that was up to them but I'd never expect them to speak anything other than their native language.

[1337rice]

How do they shop, or for that matter, interact with any government services?
If they go to a western supermarket and they see the wrong price, they still know how to say "NO WANT NO WANT NO WANT" LOL
And what government services? Haven't heard from them for a while...but if anything, I'm their walking talking translator.


If you go to a foreign country for vacation
and you can't speak Spanish, French, German, Croatian, Italian, Czech, Japanese, Mandarin, Arabic, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, etc etc
and you went up to people for help
and they are unable to help you because they don't speak English
= how would you feel?

some people might not want to help you because of the way you look (racism)
or prejudice towards your ethnicity

you might want to avoid certain countries for vacation (racism / violence against foreigners)

=

That is a different point of view and it certainly makes sense. But knowing the Chinese culture, there's bound to be a bunch of users here who have brought their parents/grandparents/relatives here in Canada and still walk around the city regardless if they know English or not. I don't mind if they're seniors, but I don't like the fact that the young generation that came here for "education" don't speak a word of English. I HIGHLY HIGHLY doubt Canada has enough tourists to fill a whole block, let alone, a whole York Region full of it. Tourists? Doubt it.

And even if you go on vacation at a country with a completely different language, you still have to be PREPARED for it. Obviously you're not gonna expect 99% of the people will speak English for tourists sake.


Just respond by saying: "Actually, I call myself Canadian."

Great. How do I say that in Mandarin? LOLLL

[gman]

How do they shop, or for that matter, interact with any government services?

If you live in Toronto, you would know there are a lot of people can speak Chinese in the shops and also in government services. It is more than I would expect. In Toronto, you can live pretty good without knowing English. Of course, it would be even better if you do.

My mom was in a Rehab hospital because she had a stroke. She speaks Cantonese and a little bit of English. The other 3 roommates in the hospital room speak other languages. Only one can speak reasonable English. There are Cantonese staff talked Cantonese to my mom. I brought her in to the same rehab hospital as out patient today. To be my surprise, the one who came out to work with my mom can also speak Cantonese.

When I call CCAC (Community Care Access Center), they can speak Cantonese. The helper they send over to assist my mom at home can also speak Cantonese.

[evergreen2]

Important topic. Everyone should respect his mother tongue.

[iamnotamerican.com]

Important topic. Everyone should respect his mother tongue.

Everyone should respect their mother tongue...however, if you're an immigrant to a country, you should make an effort to be able to effectively communicate. Being in a country for two decades and not being able have a conversation in the local language (or one of the local languages, as is the case in Canada) shows either laziness, stupidity or contempt for the adopted country. Is there any reason why election paraphernalia is in languages other than French or English? When I applied for Canadian citizenship, I got the impression you actually needed to have some level of language skills. If you're going to be a citizen of a country (and therefore eligible to vote), unless it's simply a convenience thing, why wouldn't you go out and learn?

[The Rochester Mirkins]

I knew a guy that worked the info booth at Pearson airport. He spoke at least 5 languages, but whenever they would get stumped by a traveller they would ask for the passport and call a restaurant of that ethnicity and ask them for help. In all of his years of working at the airport, noone had ever turned him down. Infact he said several of the restaurant owners sent someone to pick them up. Gotta hand it to the old world ways sometimes.

[arclite]

I knew a guy that worked the info booth at Pearson airport. He spoke at least 5 languages, but whenever they would get stumped by a traveller they would ask for the passport and call a restaurant of that ethnicity and ask them for help. In all of his years of working at the airport, noone had ever turned him down. Infact he said several of the restaurant owners sent someone to pick them up. Gotta hand it to the old world ways sometimes.

Really? Restaurant owners are willing to do that?



Everyone should respect their mother tongue...however, if you're an immigrant to a country, you should make an effort to be able to effectively communicate. Being in a country for two decades and not being able have a conversation in the local language (or one of the local languages, as is the case in Canada) shows either laziness, stupidity or contempt for the adopted country. Is there any reason why election paraphernalia is in languages other than French or English? When I applied for Canadian citizenship, I got the impression you actually needed to have some level of language skills. If you're going to be a citizen of a country (and therefore eligible to vote), unless it's simply a convenience thing, why wouldn't you go out and learn?

Do you know what a de facto standard is? For example: Microsoft office has a large market share, it has become a de facto standard or in a way an official tool used by many companies.

In the context of your question, there are more and more Mandarin chinese speakers in Canada (large market share) and if enough of them speak it, it may end up being an official language of Canada (de facto standard). I am personally against this, this is Canada, not China. Our languages are English and French. If you don't want to learn it then go live somewhere else.

Hell, if you call some banks its: Press 1 for Mandarin. Press 2 for French. Shows a lot doesn't it?

[deltone]

Can't get help in French or in English over here in Montreal? We got our stupid laws to force a language onto a population and create segregation which the government thinks it is fine and dandy and wonder why no one wants to invest in this province and oppress the Anglophones but that's a different story.

When my sister lived in Richmond Hill over a decade ago she goes you can take your drivers test in Cantonese or Mandarin. How is that possible when it's not an official language? I understand as a courtesy to help someone but there's only so much one can do.

Why do you feel Quebec's language laws are stupid? I used to believe that but one day I realized that they are doing exactly what the rest of the country should be doing. Protecting THEIR language and their heritage. Had they not decided to do that, French would pretty much become a distant memory in this country and that would be a darn shame. French has always been spoken in Quebec and if they had not taken the hard stance that has been taken, do you really believe that French would still be around in a few years?

When I go to Quebec, I expect to see signs in French. I don't speak French and admittadly I took no interest in learning the language when in school (oh the arrogance of some kids) and I do now regret it. I expect and like seeing those signs in French, just like I wish that all signs in Ontario had to have English (or French) on all signs. In Canada there are two official languages and by definition (the language or one of the languages that is accepted by a country's government, is taught in schools, used in the courts of law, etc.: ) it should be required that all signs have either of the official languages posted. In Quebec, I see no problem with French taking priority as it's the only way they have of protecting it and ensuring that it doesn't die.

As far as people learning the language of their adopted country, I think it should be mandatory, unless the person is elderly. It would be pretty difficult for an elderly person to learn a new language. My MIL has been in Canada for over 50 years and her English is fair at best but that's because she never worked outside of the home and the opportunities (and need) for learning the language wasn't really there. To her credit, once she started getting new family members and grandchildren who don't speak her language, she did start to learn and she does pretty good. IF she had been out working, I have no doubt she would have learned because her sister and sister-in-laws all speak English fluently but they worked outside the home.

[Supercooled]

Well, before the English and French settled here, neither English nor French was the native language. If in 30 years let's just say for argument sake, we get a steady stream of Mandarin speakers come and call Canada their home, wouldn't ti be just to adopt another official language? I just see you making concession for English and French and I would be right in assuming you're probably Caucasian. Need I go further?


Really? Restaurant owners are willing to do that?




Do you know what a de facto standard is? For example: Microsoft office has a large market share, it has become a de facto standard or in a way an official tool used by many companies.

In the context of your question, there are more and more Mandarin chinese speakers in Canada (large market share) and if enough of them speak it, it may end up being an official language of Canada (de facto standard). I am personally against this, this is Canada, not China. Our languages are English and French. If you don't want to learn it then go live somewhere else.

Hell, if you call some banks its: Press 1 for Mandarin. Press 2 for French. Shows a lot doesn't it?

[CrazyJo82]

Seems to me you were being subjected to a bit of reverse-racism - she assumed because you looked Chinese that you spoke the language, and just didn't want to speak it out of spite or something.

I have a hard time thinking someone could live in Canada for any length of time without knowing at least enough English to get by day to day.

i think everyone should have some kinda of basic language of the country they live in.

I had worked with a chinese guy who didn't speak chinese but spoke urdu (or hindi... i dont know - chinese who grew up in india) and every chinese customer that goes up to him, they start talking to him in chinese and he would say "ah, sorry" and get one of us over. I can't speak mandarin and have had trouble communicating with my limited mandarin. most people usually bring their kids or grandkids to act as translator.

i mean, even my 80 something year old grandfather has basic english communication...

arclite, mandarin will never be added to canada's official language. it will always been english and french. depending on which city you're in, some telephone automated machine offers other language. i've heard banks that offered english, french, cantonese, mandarin and then i assume urdu or hindi. but there is no way chinese (in cantonese OR mandarin) will be added as an official language. you will have a huge backlash from other communities.

[No Frills]

In my retail days I helped many people that didnt speak any English. I remember one regular who was an older lady who spoke some Asian dialect I didnt know always asked me the same questions in her language. It was funny that the other customers thought I knew the language...she would pretty much ask the same 3 questions so I could respond. When she was with her grand kid and said nothing I still said "hi".

In the Eastern European countries you need to be careful not to speak their language...my boss spoke Italian and only seldom helped customers in Italian...its like painting a target on yourself.

[Tonberry]

I haven't speak Cantonese for a very long time in Montreal since most of the Asians that I know seem to speak French only

[Bordello]

We have the reverse problem here, in some stores in Montreal it's hard to get help in French. Of course, being the customer, I just turn around and leave. Very simple.

I hope you're not one of those Quebecers who demand service only in French just to make a point. Judging from your post, clearly you have no problems communicating in English.

[jaysfan4life]

I do tech support so I usually ask if someone speaks English and end up having a conversation with a little kid.

[Purgatory]

In my opinion there is really nothing you could have done if no one there spoke Mandarin. There is only so much you can do, if someone cannot speak english. It would be great if a store had employees that spoke every language out there but then you'd need thousands of employees. The best thing any customer can do is learn enough of the main language of the country they are in so they can get around without issue..

[zod]

I've always felt pretty luck that the one language I know is kind of the language of the world.. sort of. If you go to quebec, most people are bilingual. If you go to Europe most people are bilingual, they speak their country's language and English. I suppose it makes sense. There's so many countries in Europe. It would be pretty hard to learn all the languages but if everyone decides to learn one second language they can all communicate and visit any of the countries. I'm just lucky enough they use English :) This generally means I have lots of places to can travel too where people can understand me. It's pretty sweet and I don't think I take it for granted.

From what I gather of my family's move to Canada in the 50s. They picked up English pretty quick. My grandfather had a tough time finding work and they found the best thing they could was learn English and learn it quick. I think they stopped using Dutch around the house. My mom mentioned once that she didn't really pick up ditch until a trip to Holland much later in life... which means my grandparents stopped using Dutch right when they got here.

I agree it makes sense to learn the language of the Country you moved to. I wonder if the customer was new to Canada or not (maybe she hadn't had time to learn english yet). Either way you did the best you could. Sometimes you run into language barriers.

I live in a Tourist City so I get lost people speaking in a foreign tounge all the time. I just do my best to smile, point, and see if I can figure out whats going on.

[coupondiva2012]

What are you supposed to do in awkward positions like this? You can't refuse the customer service. This was the first time ever I found myself in a "WTF am I supposed to do" position at work. It is annoying though that this woman made absolutely no effort to communicate with me. No hand gestures. No numbers. Not even a little bit of broken english. She just stood there and ranted in Mandarin. I understand there are lots of people out there with language barriers, but cmon a little effort would be appreciated.
I am neither Asian or Caucasian.
I worked in a grocery store with a large Asian and Russian population.

Many times I was on cash and both Asian and Russian senior citizens questioned me about something in the flyer. They had a flyer in hand. They did not speak in English.

So it is not just you. What I wonder is where is the family or friends or neighbours. I am almost positive these senior citizen ladies did not drive themselves to the store or take the bus. Their driver abandoned them to figure things out.

I answer in English and calmly say I don't know (with appropriate head and hand gestures).
I also close my lane and redirect customers, while I take the Asian or Russian customer with me to customer service. I never abandon a customer. By the time we get to the customer service desk, either someone over hears us and steps in to help or at customer service, someone in line over hears and steps in.

[gnuman]

Why do you feel Quebec's language laws are stupid? I used to believe that but one day I realized that they are doing exactly what the rest of the country should be doing. Protecting THEIR language and their heritage. Had they not decided to do that, French would pretty much become a distant memory in this country and that would be a darn shame. French has always been spoken in Quebec and if they had not taken the hard stance that has been taken, do you really believe that French would still be around in a few years?

When I go to Quebec, I expect to see signs in French. I don't speak French and admittadly I took no interest in learning the language when in school (oh the arrogance of some kids) and I do now regret it. I expect and like seeing those signs in French, just like I wish that all signs in Ontario had to have English (or French) on all signs. In Canada there are two official languages and by definition (the language or one of the languages that is accepted by a country's government, is taught in schools, used in the courts of law, etc.: ) it should be required that all signs have either of the official languages posted. In Quebec, I see no problem with French taking priority as it's the only way they have of protecting it and ensuring that it doesn't die.

Of course language laws are stupid. In 400 years of Quebec's existence where has their culture or language been threatened? War of 1812, the British won and left everything the way it was. Montreal one of the oldest cities with French, Irish and English making up the population was fine and dandy all these centuries.

You don't live here, you're living in the city that the PQ and French language laws built in Toronto. Trust me Toronto would still be a village if it wasn't for the Anglophones fleeing from the stupidity that took place over the past 50 or so years.

Why should we be ignored and not have services in English? Public transit workers refused to speak English to people and we're called maudit anglais? You think that's right? Pity the French people? We as anglophones who adapted and are fluently bilingual who want services in our language are the ones being ignored and treated as second class citizens. Heck I can't even buy a refurbished router on sale from Futureshop and have it shipped to Quebec because of language laws.

It's good when you're an outsider and saying pity the French but live here and you'll see what bs goes on. Articles about the increasing use of English is a no-no in Quebec. It's stupid.

[truel1111]

What is so awkward ? If a customer does not speak English, just say I don't understand. It is not your fault that customer does not speak English.
Wear a tag: "English only"

[deltone]

I never once said I pity the French. What I said was they are smart to protect the French language because if they didn't, it would be pretty much all but a distant memory. I respect the fact that they don't allow themselves to be bullied and forced to accept other languages at the cost of their own. In all honesty, anyone who knows me would find it odd that I'm actually defending the French language laws because the truth is, I'm really not a big cheerleader of the French. My thought is that I cannot complain about how there are so many signs in the GTA that have not even a sprinkling of English if I don't defend the rights of the French who are actually taking a stand and protecting their language. My wish was that the same laws would apply in Ontario, that all signs MUST contain English and that English must be a larger font and must be above or in front of the other language. I have nothing against any of these other languages and all the power to any business owner who wants to put another language on their signs but they should have to put English on the signs in the same manner that Quebec requires French. It's really not asking a lot.

[jaxx lite]

If a customer does not speak English, just say I don't understand.

The customer might not even understand the phrase "I don't understand".

:idea:

Go to free internet translator:

http://translate.google.com

Translate the phrase:
I do not understand Mandarin (Korean, Polish, Russian, etc etc)
I speak English and Cantonese, etc etc

Print it out
and show it to customers
(this would probably work on your cellphone, iPad too, etc)

=

[gman]

What is so awkward ? If a customer does not speak English, just say I don't understand. It is not your fault that customer does not speak English.
Wear a tag: "English only"

You do understand in their point of view you does not speak "I don't understand". For them, you spoke "dkj30 3fd0i34dfj fdf239sfdsjfsdjfsf ...". For them, your "English Only" tag means "chỉ có bằng tiếng Anh" to you.

[Purgatory]

You do understand in their point of view you does not speak "I don't understand". For them, you spoke "dkj30 3fd0i34dfj fdf239sfdsjfsdjfsf ...". For them, your "English Only" tag means "chỉ có bằng tiếng Anh" to you.

What do you suggest the OP do? Go and take up 40 languages?

[gman]

What do you suggest the OP do? Go and take up 40 languages?

I don't suggest anything. It depends on the situation and what kind of "resource" is available. I just agree with OP. It was an awkward moment. BTW, I think OP did what I would do ... i.e. get the supervisor to deal with it.

[uber_shnitz]

I don't see how this is an issue. It's a bit of a douche thing to do, but by law, you're not obligated to serve anyone in any language but English or French in Canada. That being said, every time I've had people who have a hard time speaking either, I've tried and work with them to get the point across and vice versa, but it's not my obligation to speak their language.

If they refuse to acknowledge my efforts, that's another story, but in the past I've usually managed (sometimes with the help of drawings) to communicate with most of the "difficult customers"

[WHO]

I hope you're not one of those Quebecers who demand service only in French just to make a point. Judging from your post, clearly you have no problems communicating in English.

I sure do.

And when I see they made the EFFORT, if I realize they're having a hard time, I'll kindly switch to English, thanking them for trying. Most often, they go on and ask me to continue in French because it makes them practice. It's called respect, and these businesses get more business from me, just for trying, and respecting our ONLY official language in QC! Amazing how these things work out...

When I go in Ontario, I speak English OF COURSE (their ONLY official language), and you'd also be surprised how often once they detect my accent they switch to French, because they like to practice it. Mutual respect goes a long way. No need to feel violated because we're obviously more inclined to ask for service in our language first.

[gilboman]

I am glad you said that - I was getting a bit concerned with the direction this thread was going. Simple solution, as you said. "Welcome to Canada, we speak English here".

she will wave $$ and say so what?

World runs on golden rule...whoever has the gold makes the rules

[CrazyJo82]

I sure do.

And when I see they made the EFFORT, if I realize they're having a hard time, I'll kindly switch to English, thanking them for trying. Most often, they go on and ask me to continue in French because it makes them practice. It's called respect, and these businesses get more business from me, just for trying, and respecting our ONLY official language in QC! Amazing how these things work out...

When I go in Ontario, I speak English OF COURSE (their ONLY official language), and you'd also be surprised how often once they detect my accent they switch to French, because they like to practice it. Mutual respect goes a long way. No need to feel violated because we're obviously more inclined to ask for service in our language first.

+1

It's really the effort...

[jimmy-j]

I have a hard time thinking someone could live in Canada for any length of time without knowing at least enough English to get by day to day.

Sad to say but it's very true. People live here for 20+ years and work(!) with other people and still can't speak a word of english. My parents didn't know a word of english 30 years ago but they understood if you want to work and live in Canada, you have to be able to communicate.

Many moons ago when I worked part-time retail, I had the same thing. People who knew my family came in and saw me working and wouldn't speak english. 1. it's plain rude and 2. it's disrepectful to other people working there and other customers.

[Mars2012]

A lot of businesses have internet access at their fingertips...couldn't you go on google translate and type in your question or comments? There are so many different dialects in the Chinese language, it's not the same as, say, someone speaking in a British accent (for the most part, we can make out what is said in that case).

My mother doesn't speak a whole lot of English...she knew a lot more when she was running a business, but now that she's retired, she doesn't feel the need to keep it up, especially when she has so much family to rely on to translate. Not sure how I feel about that - but we are a multicultural country, unlike the USA, where you are expected to assimilate. I wouldn't want to live in a country where I couldn't speak the language, but that's me...

[YippoHippo]

I just got back from Japan, and nobody speaks english there. It's actually the only place in the world Ive been where people don't speak english. It made me ralize how hard it is to get around if you don't speak the language. These folks who arent learning english when they come to canada, they are only hurting themselves. Life could be so much better- why would you fly across the world to find new opportunities, only to limit yourself to the worst of those opportunites?


Japan doesn't like foreigners, and if your not Japanese you get charged more.

[rudel1]

Japan doesn't like foreigners, and if your not Japanese you get charged more.

I would not say that. I've been to Japan a few times, and I felt very welcomed and well treated. The last time for example, I took a domestic flight from Tokyo and was the only foreigner on board. My wife was waiting for me at the airport and when the plane landed, she heard the staff saying "there is a foreigner on board!" (looks like it was unusual lol) and she made me realize that the onboard messages were told in japanese and english (instead of japanese only), just for me apparently! :) And I noticed that when I needed to get information, if the person did not speak english, he or she would do anything to try to help anyway (gesture, looking for translator, or coming with me to show what I was looking for). Japanese are not used to see a lot of foreigners, but I would not say they don't like them...

[YippoHippo]

I would not say that. I've been to Japan a few times, and I felt very welcomed and well treated. The last time for example, I took a domestic flight from Tokyo and was the only foreigner on board. My wife was waiting for me at the airport and when the plane landed, she heard the staff saying "there is a foreigner on board!" (looks like it was unusual lol) and she made me realize that the onboard messages were told in japanese and english (instead of japanese only), just for me apparently! :) And I noticed that when I needed to get information, if the person did not speak english, he or she would do anything to try to help anyway (gesture, looking for translator, or coming with me to show what I was looking for). Japanese are not used to see a lot of foreigners, but I would not say they don't like them...

Must be the different regions in Japan.

http://www.wordpress.tokyotimes.org/archives/nakano_maid_sign02.jpg
http://images.sodahead.com/profiles/0/0/1/0/1/0/2/7/9/Japanese-only-71232969427.jpeg
http://www.japanprobe.com/wp-content/uploads/japanese-only.jpg

[Avenging]

Well, before the English and French settled here, neither English nor French was the native language. If in 30 years let's just say for argument sake, we get a steady stream of Mandarin speakers come and call Canada their home, wouldn't ti be just to adopt another official language? I just see you making concession for English and French and I would be right in assuming you're probably Caucasian. Need I go further?

We make concessions for English and French here in Canada because the English and French settled and built this land. And so what if someone is Caucasian? Is it a bad thing to be white? Oh yeah, I forgot...only whites are evil and should not have a homeland. Is that what you're trying to convey here?