Is it normal that spanish speaking workers ignored me?

I went to a pretty authentic Mexican restaurant with my friend who is Mexican and speaks Spanish. The workers all spoke both Spanish and English. When they learned that my friend spoke spanish, they spent the rest of the time asking her questions about our food and what we want to drink in Spanish and she had to translate for me the whole time. I found it rude that they did not give us equal attention and ask us both questions in English since all of us speak English (including them and my friend). I’m not mad that they spoke in Spanish, I’m mad they ignored me because they only wanted to speak in Spanish to my friend. Do you think they were rude to me or did they not know any better and thought they were acting politely? I didn’t tell my friend it bothered me because I didn’t want her to feel bad for talking in her native language.

Yes it was rude 9
No it was not rude 13
Other opinion 4
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Comments ( 31 )
  • Haru

    Probablemente ellos estaban felices porque podian hablar espanol con una cliente

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    • Fetiza000

      Sí, muy exacta.

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  • davcr

    Is completely natural. People will always tend to prefer to speak on their native language whenever is possible so they probably took advantage that there was someone who was able to speak Spanish and English.

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  • EnglishLad

    I can speak both languages. I think they're probably quite proud of their Hispanic heritage, (I refuse to use the term "Mexican" because although they're in a Mexican restaurant cooking Mexican food, no one can be certain that they're actually from Mexico.) not to mention that there is no official language in the United States.

    Los hispanos pueden hablar en español cuando les dé la gana. Apréndelo.

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    • gotogirl118

      Thanks for being one of the few to give a respectful answer lol. I was hoping this was the case, I thought maybe it could be a cultural thing

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  • lesbianBaklavaSociety

    I wouldn't be bothered by it at all. They were happy they could speak to someone in their native language.

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  • RoseIsabella

    Yes, I think it was very rude, ethnocentric and kinda racist as well!

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  • Emokate

    Indians do this as well.

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    • Pumpurrnickel

      And? Any individual who speaks a different language can do this as well.

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      • Emokate

        They can, but most chose not too because it's rude.

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        • Pumpurrnickel

          Completely irrelevant to my question, but okay.

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          • Emokate

            Ok. Your question was, "And?". So, and nothing.

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            • Pumpurrnickel

              "Indians do this as well."

              No shit. Any person who speaks another language can do this, regardless of what country they're from. So why randomly say Indians do this, if anyone from any country can?

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  • lonewolf1253

    I have nothing against Hispanics, but yes, put two of them together and they always speak their native tongue. Ever work around Hispanics? They do it without exception from my experience.

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  • jethro

    I am sure that the English speaking workers ignore you too. There isn't anything in the rulebook that says people can't ignore anyone who they choose. Just get over it and move on.

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    • gotogirl118

      It wasn’t anything to do with them being Hispanic. No of course not but I think employees shouldn’t ignore their customers if they want a job lol

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  • Ummitsstillme

    I like to care about the melting pot of what is great about the United States. I'm white but I want Rosilie to build me up as a butttercup.

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  • Ummitsstillme

    Funny. You didn't prove a value. I have worked in many of restaraunts and told Guatamalans and Mexicans what to do constantly. You need to speak basic kitchen spanish or they hate you, talk to your staff how you would to family and with respect, and you will,find love reciprocated.. It is a matter of respect. If you have the most boss players at the situation, treat them with fucking respect and be greatful because they will make you money, idc the business.

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  • redrainbow22

    Were you asking them questions or trying to speak to them at all?

    Or are you just jealous they only spoke to your friend?

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    • gotogirl118

      Tried hinting to them I understand some Spanish but they didn’t seem to get it I guess, lol

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  • Eso fue grosero.

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    • Fetiza000

      Eso no fue grosero, eso fue una pregunta muy interesante.

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      • Conas is maith leat e’

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    • gotogirl118

      Gracias lol. I do know some Spanish, I took 5 years in school. So I understood most of what they were saying, but they don’t know that and they didn’t even make eye contact with me

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      • Fetiza000

        ''Took 5 years in school'' And you only speak a little bit? Man the school system really is crappy.

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        • gotogirl118

          Yeah it is, not what it used to be. Unfortunately wish I would’ve learned more but I’m lucky to have a Mexican friend who speaks Spanish!

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          • Fetiza000

            https://www.duolingo.com/

            THIS website is a million times better at teaching Spanish than any school you'll find.

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