Airport Screeners

[kuulani]

You can find the actual poll here.

The poll options itself are screwed up. Because this is America, the screeners should be allowed to talk in whatever language they want to each other. Many states have an official language other than English. Denying people the right to talk in their own language is wrong. Don't let hysteria and fear get in the way of what is right. Just because they're talking in another language, doesn't mean they're out to get you.

 

[Jeslek]

Yes they should only speak English. Its fucking annoying if they babble in some unknown language. When you are in Rome, you do as the Romans do. If you don't like it, take a hike and go back home. I speak ENGLISH here because it is Canada. I do NOT go babbling in my other languages in front of other people, because it is extremely rude.

 

[kuulani]

Well ... here in Hawaii, Hawaiian is an official language of the state. When in Hawaii, do as the Hawaiians do and learn to speak the language. A majority of the people here also speak Filipino, or Japanese, or Chinese, etc. If a screener here sees someone needing help, and they both know each other can speak Filipino, then by all means, speak Filipino.

Sure, if they babble on and ignore you and you need assistance, then THATS rude and annoying. But if they're talking to themselves, what the hell are you doing trying to eavesdrop anyway.

 

[Gato_Solo]

Well, Ku'u you actually do have a point, but the fact is...when you are in a professional area, then you speak the main language of the population of the country you happen to be in. I don't expect the same thing in a non-professional setting. (I've had this convo before with a spanish-speaker at work). When at work, unless it's extremely private, English should be spoken. If in Italy, and it's a professional setting, Italian should be spoken.

 

[Jeslek]

Well ... here in Hawaii, Hawaiian is an official language of the state. When in Hawaii, do as the Hawaiians do and learn to speak the language.

I have no problem with that. Let them speak Hawaiin then, and English for other people.

A majority of the people here also speak Filipino, or Japanese, or Chinese, etc. If a screener here sees someone needing help, and they both know each other can speak Filipino, then by all means, speak Filipino.

Sure, I don't see a problem here either.

Sure, if they babble on and ignore you and you need assistance, then THATS rude and annoying. But if they're talking to themselves, what the hell are you doing trying to eavesdrop anyway.

Private conversations in some closed room isn't what I care about. Its those private conversations after two people interviewed you. If they need to talk in private, do it outside. But don't discuss ME in front of myself in another language.

 

[unclehobart]

I don't have a problem with it. If theyre talking smack about their customers right on front of them and disguising it under swahili or something.. they will eventually do it in front of someone who speaks it and get in deep meadow muffins for it.

 

[Gato_Solo]

That was what my example was about. The poor shmoe thought he'd bad-mouth old sarge because old sarge is just a dumb gringo. He was in Korea with me, and, after a brief speech by yours truly, he turned out to be one of my best workers...

 

[kuulani]

Heehee, once a friend and I were in a restaurant talking in Hawaiian about a gorgeous waiter ... oops, he came right up to us and took our order in Hawaiian

 

[Dave]

the g/f has a similar problem in the nursing home she works at. most of the aides are hatian and they have a tendency to speak only in their language. even when they are with the residents. they have been told repeatedly by management to not do this while they are on the clock, but they consistently ignore the request.

 

[Gonz]

If, while on the job, especially for the nation of the United States, one is unable or unwilling to talk in the traditional tongue of this country, then they should be fired. English is our language & whoever said "...eavedropping..." should take notice that if they spoke in English nobody would notice. It's when another language is spoken it gets brought to the attention of a passerby.