The majority of the CNAs and many of the nurses here are originally from the Philippines, and English is their second language. Apparently, that country has infused learning English into its primary school curriculum. Is it surprising that so many of their citizens migrate here? Even so, English is a difficult language, and I defend their right to speak their native tongue when they can.
I am always impressed that someone can move to a foreign country and get a job in a language they don't speak primarily. I took French in high school for three years and a year in college, and I know I could barely hold a conversation, much less work in that language. You think going to college was a big deal? Try living in a foreign country several time zones away from where you grew up.
I have absolutely no problem with the people around me speaking to each other the fastest way they know how. I asked, and most of the time they are discussing housekeeping stuff that's easier to do in their home language. Some people are upset because they don't know what's being said, and maybe they are the ones being talked about. 98% of the time they aren’t, but 2% is still too often for those who are overly cautious.
I think it's handy for workers to have a way to let off steam about difficult patients. How wonderful that they can speak freely as they are taking care of you. If someone doesn't like you, they're going to talk about you no matter what and you will never find out about it, so relax! Just go on doing what you normally do. Ignorance is bliss, as they say.
And hey, this job does not pay enough to put up with everything that gets thrown at you, literally and figuratively. I'd say it was very useful to have a way to call your resident a horse's ass without them having any idea you said that. I also can't help but notice that the people complaining about hearing a foreign language are mostly white.
As one of the privileged many in this country, I can attest to how good we have it. The only Caucasian people who are CNAs are doing it on their way to a better gig. Just like there are almost no white farm workers, this is another vital but messy occupation that is left to foreigners who are willing to work in conditions intolerable to most. And I am grateful they are. Sorry to bring race into the argument, but it's true.
I'm sure I'm too hard on my fellow Americans, but, boy, can we be privileged sometimes? Generally, we expect everyone to be able to speak English at least a little. So the next time you encounter someone talking in a foreign language, spare a thought to consider what it took for them to get here and what it continues to take to stay here.
Add comment
Comments