Learn F@#%ing english a#@$ole.:readit:

[Driver_dylan]

Now that I have your Attention! :D:

Today I had something that had me completely frustrated to the point that I accually wished harm on a ten year old. :twisted:

Now I am not going to get in a debate about being bilingual, because I speak Spanish, well in fact, but I don't have it on my tag for good reason. I believe that if you go to a country, any country, foreign to you; you should make an attempt to communicate in the countries primary language. Now enough of my political view and back to my story.

While working at the greeter position at LMA @ Studios. I watched a family sitting outside of the large restrooms across from the entrance. The two children began climbing on the walls. I decided to do the good CM thing and tell the kids to get down. I did, and was told that the kids did not speak English. The father then turned and continued talking to the others in his group, and said nothing to his kids, who were now starting to ruff house on the top of the wall. So, I took it upon myself the repeat my request in Spanish. Yes, the kids got down, but the gentleman shot me a rude look. So the event was over right? Annoying? Yes, but over right. Not by a long shot. The man went promptly, to Guest Relations, and complained that I decieved him by not having the notice on my name tag that I spoke Spanish. So I got a coaching for speaking Spanish.

[ktulu]

Yes, how DARE you 1) not reveal that you speak spanish and 2) yell at some kids before they fall off a wall and split their heads open. The father probably saw little dollar signs climbing/playing on the wall. Some people should not have kids...

[Jinxed]

Many years ago I had a landlord who was from the phillipines. She would do anything she possibly could to get out of paying for dang near anything. Taxes on the house I was renting, college tuitions...she even managed to get her kids into a private school ..full tuition paid all because she "didn't speak english", claimed severe hardship and she constantly claimed language barrier. Oddly as she would go out and claim this she was in her 4th year of nursing school at one of the best colleges in the area. It always amazed me ..she could read a legal contract, take all these tests in ENGLISH and graduate, but when it was to her advantage she always claimed language barrier.

[Wizard69]

So I got a coaching for speaking Spanish.

I would fight that and get it taken off my record. That is total bullshit. Just because you speak spanish doesn't mean you HAVE to have the language pin on your nametag. I have lots of coworkers who speak spanish. Ony a few have the language pin. The rest don't.

[DLRFantasmic!Dan]

I would fight that and get it taken off my record. That is total bullshit. Just because you speak spanish doesn't mean you HAVE to have the language pin on your nametag. I have lots of coworkers who speak spanish. Ony a few have the language pin. The rest don't.

I totally agree!!! there are many CMs that speak a different language, but don't have a language pin.

The thing that gets me is when guests ACT like they don't speak English, but they do when they speak English to their families. The only reason they do that is to get you off their backs!

[Main Streeter]

About a month ago all DLR stores CMs were given an official Disney Spanish dictionary to read in spare time :( & carry while on stage. Any other CMs get this treasure? Ya right, reading a pocket size Spanish dictionary will be a real solve it all! Cash wrap trash was filled with these dictionaries after closing as were breakrooms. Disney can't force a CM to use Spanish while working. Be sure to check your pers record a few times so this will not be put in as a violation. I only use Spanish if there is extreme need or for shock value purposes. Not many realize I'm bilingual & I want to keep it as such.

[LittleDollClaudia]

Wait, wait, wait! Am I reading this post correctly?? Since when did Spanish become a mandatory skill for CM's to have? No, this may cost me some friends on this board but damn it, last time I checked the official language in this USA of ours is still English. Look, I applaud all who want to keep their culture alive but how dare you act like we should bow down to you. As driver_dylan said, if I was to go to another country, I would have to learn enough of that language to get around. Most locals wouldn't give me the time of day if I didn't at least attempt it and not just assume that everyone there would know English, right? I remember when I was in school learning about other countries and how if we ever traveled that we would be sort of ambassadors for USA. So don't these others believe the same thing when they are visiting?

Why are we so lax here? I do know quite a few people that speak more than one language but they don't pretend they don't know English. To me, that is disrespectful and that family who complained should be ashamed of themselves. I agree that you should take that to a supervisor or someone who can help you fight that.

[leftcoaster]

Wait, wait, wait! Am I reading this post correctly?? Since when did Spanish become a mandatory skill for CM's to have? No, this may cost me some friends on this board but damn it, last time I checked the official language in this USA of ours is still English. Look, I applaud all who want to keep their culture alive but how dare you act like we should bow down to you. As driver_dylan said, if I was to go to another country, I would have to learn enough of that language to get around. Most locals wouldn't give me the time of day if I didn't at least attempt it and not just assume that everyone there would know English, right? I remember when I was in school learning about other countries and how if we ever traveled that we would be sort of ambassadors for USA. So don't these others believe the same thing when they are visiting?

Why are we so lax here? I do know quite a few people that speak more than one language but they don't pretend they don't know English. To me, that is disrespectful and that family who complained should be ashamed of themselves. I agree that you should take that to a supervisor or someone who can help you fight that.

Don't shoot the messenger here, but there is no "official" language of the USA.

[Panther007]

English is the main language of America and i believe most or parts of England

i would make it a rule, you must speak some english to enter the park

even i studied spanish before going to Cozumel (sp?) on the Disney Magic, and now im going to have to learn more spanish when i go to Spain on the Disney Magic, and maybe Itilian

but when i went to cozumel, i attempted to speak spanish (i didnt know much then so i had a hard time and continously said weird things, like the cosby show episode where Theo tries to read French and has his dad trying to build a cabinent, and he tells him, With the mallet Smash your ankle through slot A and put your mother on a horse)

[ucfsweetie82]

The ones that annoy me are the ones that ask if you speak Spanish(which is about all I understand) and when you say no continue to speak in Spanish, to which I give them a really blank look.

[bpgstudios]

I knew someone that knew about 2 semesters worth of spanish, and because they were not comfortable enough with the language didn't get the language pin. But they knew enough to recognize certain key words and communicate with guests slowly to a degree in spanish if needed. If I am not mistaken, doesnt Disney specifically say if you are not fluent enough with the language, they won't give you the language pin?

To those that say that you shouldnt be alowed to enter WDW without some limited knowledge of English, I agree. However, Disney is making it too easy for those without English to visit the parks with the Ears to the World system, translated guidemaps, saftey speils, and CMs with language pins.

Dylan, you did the correct thing IMO. If it ends up being a record card violation fight it. Saftey, then courtesy, show, efficiency. You tried to communicate that they needed to cease a dangerous activity, they did not comply. You used another method which should be completely acceptable.

And you know what? I bet that guest complained to GR in perfect English. :rolleyes:

Edit: and yes, ucfsweetie, I agree totally. I absolutely hate when that happens. "I'm sorry, but I dont understand you." You know, we should start giving them directions to the nearest restroom in reply to whatever they ask. Or tell them they might be able to find a "llama" at Disney's Animal Kingdom. :p:

[darph nader]

What a crock of shit. You told the kids to get down (in english), and yet the message could'nt be relayed in spanish? This father is a F-in jerk. :mad:
I know 'very' little spanish, "Dos cerverza mos, por favor". :D: Definitely fight this tooth and nail.

[Main Streeter]

doesnt Disney specifically say if you are not fluent enough with the language, they won't give you the language pin?
Correct! If a CM isn't fluent DLR will not even give the test. WDW is probably the same. bgp, correct again when you state guest probably complained in perfect English. Don't they all?! :twisted:

[Main Streeter]

I know 'very' little spanish, "Dos cerverza mos, por favor".
"mos"? :confused: Mas! darph, I'll snail you my Disney Spanish dictionary.:D: ;)

[june1st1997]

As A lowly SG with no experience in this at all... I support you Driver Dylan. I think it's embarrassing that the powers that be would not back you up.

The whole spanish thing is a sticky subject with me... My maiden name is Santos. When I moved to southern calf. my phone bill and phone book both came in spanish. This happened for months... I did not speak a word. Not a word. I got offered jobs at telemundo because of my last name, encouraged to keep my heritage alive. I'm Portuguese... it's not my heritage. incredibly frustrating.

I am learning spanish right now... My nanny speaks spanish with my daughter ( at our request) I believe it will make my daughters life richer. It is certainly making mine.

I do disagree with some of the other posters though (don't I always :D: )...

If you come to the united states and do not want to learn the language... fine by me. However you will probably flirt with the poverty line.

I hear complaints from family members all the time about how certain people get to take advantage of the system because they don't speak english (grants, scholarships, etc.). These are the same people who are on Disability... My answer to all of this is... some people take advantage of the system... regardless of ethnicity...

As far as learning a language to travel abroad.. I salute everyone who does it. Seriously... good for you... You will most certainly get much more from your experience that someone who does not.

Personally... I probably would not. English is the international language. It is used in Aviation and maritime. I'm an elitist or an ugly american.

[Notatourist]

Imagine looking Spanish but speaking...Japanese.

[leftcoaster]

Edit: and yes, ucfsweetie, I agree totally. I absolutely hate when that happens. "I'm sorry, but I dont understand you." You know, we should start giving them directions to the nearest restroom in reply to whatever they ask. Or tell them they might be able to find a "llama" at Disney's Animal Kingdom. :p:

Steve Martin: "Donde esta casa de pepe?" :D:

[Syndrome]

My biggest beef with ESL SGs is that they feel compelled to go to a show, and then one of them LOUDY translates the whole friggin' thing for the rest of the family. We had that on our last Disney cruise. Both Dad and Mom translated the entire "Disney Dreams" show for the SG spawn, despite glares and shushes from everyone around them. And NOT in a quiet voice either...in a regular (and actually towards the loud side) voice. As is usual when an SG ruins the show for me, I had to "stumble" and therefore trample their feet on the way out (we always leave before the cruise director's spiel at the end because after 55 Disney cruises, we could give it ourselves). Some messages (like stepping on feet...too bad I only wear flipflops) require no translation.

[darph nader]

"mos"? :confused: Mas! darph, I'll snail you my Disney Spanish dictionary.:D: ;)
Ok,Ok. It could have been "Dos cerveza 'still',por favor" but I couldn't find MY S-E coaster. Believe it or not I 'thought' about taking Spanish years ago. We lived Biloxi Miss at the time. IF I had known my dad was going to relocate us to Tucson,I would have pursued it further. :(

[ktulu]

Imagine looking Spanish but speaking...Japanese.

Anata wa nihongo o hanashimasu ka?

[DLRFantasmic!Dan]

Wait, wait, wait! Am I reading this post correctly?? Since when did Spanish become a mandatory skill for CM's to have? No, this may cost me some friends on this board but damn it, last time I checked the official language in this USA of ours is still English.

That is not entirely true, but English is the Universal language that we use to communicate in different countries.

Totally off topic, but on the news not too long ago, there was this pizza place that would sell pizza and they would gladly except pesos, but it turned out to be a great controversy.

America is made up of many different cultures and languages, they should ONLY have to speak Englsih, but they should learn it just to communicate.

[darph nader]

Sorry DRL-DAN,but the only time English is 'universal',and required is pertaining to airline pilots. FAA Regs. In cockpit conversations can be in your native language (i think). BUT all traffic 'must' be conducted in galactic standard. :confused:

[Driver_dylan]

Thank you for all your kind words. For everyone, wondering. No, I did not get an official coaching, I have it on good authority that I was not accually in trouble, but that the manager just wanted to point out that I needed to watch out how I approach guests. :confused: I don't rightly understand what I did wrong, but I assured them that from now on instead of speaking calmly in Spanish, I will stand in front of the guest and speaking my English statement slower and louder each time they don't get it. :D: :cool: ;)

[ktulu]

Totally off topic, but on the news not too long ago, there was this pizza place that would sell pizza and they would gladly except pesos, but it turned out to be a great controversy.

Yeah, that place is here in the Dallas/Fort Worth area...

[Anna]

Imagine looking Spanish but speaking...Japanese.

I think you look Italian. Anyway, my daugher's married last name is Gonzales. She has red hair and blue eyes. Her husband is blonde and blue eyed. Niether one of them speak any Spanish. They also live in south Texas in a largely Hispanic area.

[LittleDollClaudia]

I may have been mistaken on calling English the "official" language but let's just go with it's the primary language. I still stand by my original statement other than that misquote. Thank you for pointing that out.

[Main Streeter]

on the news not too long ago, there was this pizza place that would sell pizza and they would gladly except pesosEl Patron in Dallas & now there are a few in L A. area. :twisted: Each state can vote their official language. Forgot which state did this last. Minnesota, Wisconsin, or ?? one of those states I never thought would have a problem. Good for the states who proclaim English as official language. :trophy:

[freepixie]

As a teacher, we have issues with ESL as well, especially those very new to the country. We have translation services but they are not always very accurate as a coworker found out.

I have a Korean girl in my class this year, and I have gotten close with her family. I have been tutoring her father in English (he is a pastor at the Korean church and wants to incorporate English in his sermons for the few English-speakers of their congregation). He has said he is embarassed that his English is so poor, and wants to improve, they have only been in this country 3 years. He told me that if I were to go to Korea for anything, and I did not speak any Korean, I would get nowhere, and I believe him. But I give him and his wife props for trying and making the effort to get better. Can't say that about everyone :rolleyes:

America is extremely considerate to ESL people, other countries are not like that. If I were to travel somewhere and not know the language, they would refuse me service or whatever.

My first year teaching, I was told I was getting a little girl, just moved here from Puerto Rico and didn't know any English. She comes in and I try and talk a little Spanish to her to make her feel comfortable. She turns around and says in perfect English "if you're not nice to me I'm gonna tell my mom that you hit me." :rolleyes: Really nice :rolleyes:

[Jinxed]

He told me that if I were to go to Korea for anything, and I did not speak any Korean, I would get nowhere, and I believe him.


My husband just returned from being in South Korea for 3 years and he didn't have any problems. He said the majority of the country does speak some english. And in Seoul almost every place you go you will encounter someone speaking english. Even in the smaller out lying towns they spoke some english. He is a big man with blondish hair and he said he would go for walks and school age kids would run up to him and try out their english. He got a kick out of it.

[hobie16]

My husband just returned from being in South Korea for 3 years and he didn't have any problems. He said the majority of the country does speak some english. And in Seoul almost every place you go you will encounter someone speaking english. Even in the smaller out lying towns they spoke some english. He is a big man with blondish hair and he said he would go for walks and school age kids would run up to him and try out their english. He got a kick out of it.
I presented sales training in Korea and had few language problems. I'd present a section and take a break. During the break the Koreans would discuss and we'd do a Q&A session before starting the next section.

I did a class in Moscow and the students were more interested in discussing English than what I came to teach. Until the USSR fell apart only members of the party were allowed to learn a foreign language.

For a lot of them I was the first American they'd ever seen. They told me I wasn't what they expected. I jokingly asked if they thought Rambo was coming and they said yes.

[tacoboy]

I visted Mexico last year (then flew to Orlando for an obvious reason :D: ) and i had to act as a translator for my parents. (At the time i was semi-fluent in spanish) yet my parents complained "WOW! A lot of americans come through this part of the country, they should learn to spek english! :mad:

if thats not stubborn, I do not know what is!

[freepixie]

My husband just returned from being in South Korea for 3 years and he didn't have any problems. He said the majority of the country does speak some english. And in Seoul almost every place you go you will encounter someone speaking english. Even in the smaller out lying towns they spoke some english. He is a big man with blondish hair and he said he would go for walks and school age kids would run up to him and try out their english. He got a kick out of it.

Wow that is really interesting, I will bring it up to Mr. Lee next time I help him out (sometime next week).

I find it interesting to teach when you have ESL kids in the class, it is fun to watch their English grow. The little Korean girl I have this year is getting much better, she seems to understand more than she can express. She always tells me "mommy soon" for "my mommy is coming soon" :)

[Pinoy_Stitch_84]

I dislike those guests who tell me, "I don't understand English, speak Spanish." I DO speak some Spanish, however, when I start speaking to them in Spanish, they start speaking English again. And when I start speaking English again, same vicious circle of, "I don't understand English, speak Spanish."

What the heck? These people CAN speak English and it doesn't make sense for them to tell me to speak in another language when they will be speaking in English the whole time anyway.

[Alyssa3467]

I have slightly more sympathy for someone who tells me "No hablo inglés" and has a passport in their hand from Spain than someone who says the same thing and has an ID from Mexico, or worse, the United States. Just slightly. :rolleyes:

[Pinoy_Stitch_84]

No offense to them, but I highly recommend that these people learn the necessary English prior to traveling to another country for their sanity and safety.

It holds up the line and makes our jobs harder when we have to find someone else who speaks their beloved language. It drives me crazy when they come so close to you as well.

[Yfoog]

Don't shoot the messenger here, but there is no "official" language of the USA.

True, English is not the official language at the Federal level but 28 States have enacted laws mandating English as the official language at the State level.

Alabama (1990)
Alaska (1998)
Arizona (2006)
Arkansas (1987)
California (1986)
Colorado (1988)
Florida (1988)
Georgia (1986 & 1996)
Hawaii (1978)
Illinois (1969)
Indiana (1984)
Iowa (2002)
Kentucky (1984)
Louisiana (1811)
Massachusetts (1975)
Mississippi (1987)
Missouri (1998)
Montana (1995)
Nebraska (1920)
New Hampshire (1995)
North Carolina (1987)
North Dakota (1987)
South Carolina (1987)
South Dakota (1995)
Tennessee (1984)
Utah (2000)
Virginia (1981 & 1996)
Wyoming (1996)

[LittleDollClaudia]

Wow Yfoog, thank you for that. Not only do I get to laugh at SG's when I read the site but I learned something new today. Hmm, I wonder if I can print that out and use it with smartass guests when they come into the hotel and act all mad when I don't speak Spanish. Just because I have dark hair and work in the OC does NOT mean I am an information booth or a super translator, k?

[JugglingFreak]

Georgia (1986 & 1996)



We in Georgia made it official twice. We REALLY mean it!!!

JF

[Main Streeter]

English is the de facto national language. How sad is this? :twisted: Sure doesn't seem to be de facto in Ca. - not where I live & shop. :mad:

[ktulu]

Louisiana (1811) -

They wanted to get it on the books early, although what they speak down there is hardly english...

[inkstainedpsyche]

Washington apparently has no official language, but it seems that even here, more and more official government pamphlets, etc. are being put out in multiple languages.

Now, I happen to like Korean food and I frequently go to a Korean supermarket in the area called Pal-Do World. I'm not sure if all the cashiers speak English or if it's a requirement to work there. They all speak Korean, though. Do I expect them to cater to me, a very white, German-Irish person? No. I know what I'm in there to buy and I find it on my own. The prices, fortunately, are in Hangul [sp] and English, so it's not a problem there. But I would never expect them to make accommodations for me, just as I don't think we have to make accommodations for everyone who doesn't speak English. I'm working on my "survival Korean" and I know enough to be be polite (please and thank you aren't hard). The difference I've noticed here, though, is that that most of the Korean community is willing to learn English, whereas the Hispanic community here doesn't bother.

[EpcotGolfer]

Don't you think this is kinda getting off the original topic?

The SG in the OP DID speak english, but he failed to translate for his kids. Is it really fair to ask 8-10 year-olds to learn english before coming to WDW? Personally, I'm fine with the father in an international family renting the "Ears to the World" for the rest of his family, as long as he knows enough english to get by. When I went to France when I was 14, I did not know enough French to get by, but I made sure to hang out with people who did.

Now, the father understanding what the CM said in English, not bothering to do anything about it, and then getting mad when the same thing was repeated in Spanish, that's worthy of a SGT.

[LittleDollClaudia]

The only problem with that is no one really knows where the family was from. I have guests I know to be locals (I look at their IDs at check in) and they still try to use that ploy of not knowing English. Even though I heard their kids use it not five minutes earlier outside. Granted, the parents may not totally understand it but if you are a local person, there has to be some grasp of it or you wouldn't get very far here. So this father could have been snowing the CM from the beginning.

I don't totally know but can you go to DW and not know a single word of English? How would a family get around the resort? Most signs and spiels are in English too, right?

[Moonliner]

Don't you think this is kinda getting off the original topic?

The SG in the OP DID speak english, but he failed to translate for his kids.
<snip>
Now, the father understanding what the CM said in English, not bothering to do anything about it, and then getting mad when the same thing was repeated in Spanish, that's worthy of a SGT.

Thanks for stating this! I was thinking the same as I read through these posts. I believe in the maxim 'the customer is always right' insofar as their personal safety, or the safety of those around them, come to bear. I would have loved to be the Guest Relations CM when the guy came in to complain. "So, when you translated the request to get off the wall to your children, did they follow your instructions?"

If a person comes to visit America without knowing English: Welcome! Enjoy your visit! Understand your experience may not be as rich as if you could communicate with us, but we can be patient and gracious if you are patient and gracious to us. Want to move here and make this country your residence, then learn our language for all public discourse. Preserve your heritage at home and in your community, but remember the US is a melting pot of cultures, not a tossed salad.

The thing that irritates me the most is those who use knowledge of other languages (spoken or signed) as a 'secret code' to exclude others or speak about them without their knowledge. The SG of the OP was probably so embarrassed by being caught in his charade, that it morphed into an extreme anger against the CM and resulted in the complaint.

I agree that CM have a choice of wearing the flag pins on their badges, but even I, could say "Alto, por favor" (which, if I'm not mistaken, means "Stop, please"). As the OP CM stated, they were asked to be careful how they relate to the guests. While I don't believe the CM did anything wrong, it is our job to always show the best face and think smarter than the average guest.

[Driver_dylan]

I agree completely with your assessment. :cool:

[joanna71985]

Oh man, did I ever have an issue with this during my CP. In fact, one comes to mind now. I was working Cinderellabration (RIP :) ). It was before the parade, so the ramps were both open. All of a sudden, this kid comes darting up the little stone steps that lead to the stage from the ground. He is now running around on the stage, and starts running up the side platform (with the rising platform for Mickey and Minnie). Me and the other attendants are calling to him, but he is ignoring us (he is about 5-7). His mom is still on the ground calling for him. I now get on the stage and try to grab his hand, but he keeps pulling away and going higher. So finally, as a last resort, I pick him up and carry him off the stage. Well, apparently this did not sit too well with Mommy and Daddy (who didn't even bother trying to get him down). They complained to a Fantasyland Ops cordinator and, get this, claimed "I tripped him or something of that nature". Luckily I had people back me up, cause they were just trying to get something comped. I know I probably shouldn't have picked him up, but he was going to fall off the stage.

(Sorry for the long post).

[Zazu]

I don't totally know but can you go to DW and not know a single word of English?People do it all the time, trust me. How much they get out of it is subject to questions, but they certainly show up. :rolleyes:

[Syndrome]

I have guests I know to be locals (I look at their IDs at check in) and they still try to use that ploy of not knowing English. Even though I heard their kids use it not five minutes earlier outside. Granted, the parents may not totally understand it but if you are a local person, there has to be some grasp of it or you wouldn't get very far here. So this father could have been snowing the CM from the beginning.
Sadly, this wouldn't hold true here in FL. At one of the local Kissimmee Wal-Marts, I have quite literally had to go through three workers to find someone who speaks English. These are EMPLOYED ADULTS at an American store who apparently have no grasp other than to say, "No English" and shrug their shoulders when I try to ask a question.

[ktulu]

We were at Babies R Us, and asked an employee there about something. She responded in such broken english that she eventually just walked away from me and my wife when she looked at me and she could tell that I had no idea what she was trying to piece together in her limited english.

When we checked out and they asked my favorite question, "did you find everything okay?" (why, yes, grouping like items together was brilliant!), I responded with "barely..." but didn't feel like explaining.

[DLRP4Me]

I don't totally know but can you go to DW and not know a single word of English? How would a family get around the resort? Most signs and spiels are in English too, right?

Yes, and my in-laws will be there (with us) next month, my apologies in advance. :twisted: My MIL speaks some English and tries hard, my FIL speaks little to no English, my Aunt-IL speaks no English, and my BIL speaks some English. I don't speak French which is always fun. DH obviously speaks French and will translate for his family, he also speaks English without an accent so that's a bonus. Our kids speak Franglish.

I promise not to let them act too stupid though! ;)

[dizneeluvr]

as an english only speaking american, i feel that if you're going to live in this country, or any country, you must learn to speak the primary language of the place you live. i know many people who speak spanish where i work, but won't translate, because there are different dialects, and sometimes the translation isn't accurate. i hear this also from a friend who is bilingual and works in the court system. a co=worker of mine was told that she should learn to speak spanish by a customer, and she said she is american and english is her language and this is her country, and that the customer should learn english.
it's fine to keep your culture alive and speak more than one language , but don't use it as a disability, and to take advantage of things.
someone please get me off my soapbox ;)

[Syndrome]

The language "disability" is just one of the things that Carlos Mencia covers in my favorite song/video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91MtHvcespM

[PirateJohn]

I totally agree!!! there are many CMs that speak a different language, but don't have a language pin.I know that when I was there, you had to be a CR to get a language pin. And you had to have been working in the park for a minimum amount of time. Plus, you have to be fluent -- I speak a little French, but not enough to get a pin.

[Pinoy_Stitch_84]

Am I being as big of an a**hole by pretending to not speak Spanish? I DO, but not as fluently as some other Cast Members. I'm just sick and tired of Spanish speaking guests taking me around in the deadly language loop:
1) I speak to them in English
2) They tell me they don't speak English, they ask me to speak Spanish instead.
3) I speak to them in Spanish.
4) They start speaking English again
5) I speak to them in English again
6) Repeat steps 2-5 until you realize how ridiculous that game is

Should I continue to sometimes pretend to not know the language so that I won't be taken on this deadly loop? Or should I speak to them using the Spanish that I KNOW and just brush it off when they play the game with me, which I HATE playing?

Please, I hope nobody thinks I have anything against non-English speakers. I just don't approve of the irritating and sometimes unacceptable behaviors and actions they display. :blowup: :blowup:

[Syndrome]

They might be practicing their English, if that makes sense. i.e. they don't know it well enough for you to speak it to them, but they are practicing their speech (I do that with Spanish sometimes in Kissimmee...speaking to them in it but ask them to respond in English because I'm not "fast" enough when I hear it). But if that is the case, they should say so.

[Pinoy_Stitch_84]

They're basically speaking English the whole time and I'm going back and forth between Spanish and English. Shouldn't that tell you that they DO speak the language? Why are they asking me to say it in Spanish then? NO offense to anyone once again, but I'm at the point where I make them feel guilty when a language barrier arises.

For example, when I explain to them how a child swap works or which row to go into (they ALWAYS go into the WRONG one) and the line is really long, I apologize to the people behind them for the "delay" or "longer than expected wait time" and tell them that "I will be with you folks shortly." And after the language situation, I apologize to the other guests once again and loud enough for the party who I had the language barrier with to hear. I'll admit some of the language barrier parties had guilty looks on their faces...GOOD! :p:

[Pinoy_Stitch_84]

GO HOME ALL OF YOU! :twisted:

[Euterpe]

At Soarin' we discovered that if you tell them in Spanish that you don't speak Spanish, they still try to talk to you in Spanish, but if you tell them in English that you don't speak Spanish... Then they believe you, I guess.

The worst case of pretending not to speak English I ever encountered was at Blizzard. First, I was at the top of Summit, and these two boys with great English skills, either spanish or maybe russin, I don't know... were nervous about going down Summit, so they we asking me "So I sit like this? I cross my... arms? Yes? My Feet like this? Is it safe?" They were nice and they were competent and following all the rules. I liked 'em.

But the next post in our rotation is the family raft ride, which I hate working because it's whever everyone goofs off and does things that aren't just sort of unsafe, they could get you killed. Anyways... These kids come to Family, and suddenly, they don't know what "sit down." means. they just look at us, and they don't sit. I was so mad because I *know* they spoke perfect English, and I know they understood sit down because we talked about sitting not an hour before!

Bah. Guests.

[wheelieman]

English is the International Business Language. My last job at AT&T was as a Conference Call Moderator[well paid operator]. We had conference calls that included people from countries around the globe, and they all spoke english. What happens is that an American company will outsource to foreign lands, and then have these business calls where EVERYBODY speaks english. They are not Americans, they are natives to their own country. Even telephone operators use english as the universal language. When I was a long distance operator, we would spend all day talking to operators in places like Uzbekistan and Poland and China. They all spoke english, a job requiremen for operator. Heck, even calling to Baghdad and Tehran they spoke english and were glad to get to talk to us. They would strike up conversations of a personal nature, talk about their kids schools, all kinds of things. If spanish was the International Business Language, we would all know a lot of spanish, enough to get by at least. It would be nice to just to see the SG's make an effort. After all, we have let them into OUR country, at OUR risk [these days] and we are pretty good hosts. It wouldnt kill them to at least try to understand.

Enough ranting,
Dave

[Pinoy_Stitch_84]

THREE CHEERS for the ENGLISH language, those that know how to speak, read, and write in it, and are proud to say they do without pretending not to know the language. WHY pretend to NOT KNOW a language when you DO know it? HELLO, the Disney World theme parks are not good places to "practice" one's English speaking skills especially if one is going to end up speaking English anyway or pretend not to know.