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aberkok · 03-01-2006, 04:19 PM

On Monday my co-worker spent 15 mins. on the phone with one of our Chinese customers who speaks english so poorly that it takes several repetitions to understand what he says. To complicate matters, I work at a print music store, where we use a lot of specialized terms which are that much harder to understand when delivered in the thickest of Chinese accents.

After (understandably) being frustrated with the guy after finally filling his phone order, he went on a rant, saying how "we enable these people to continue..." My understanding of his mindset was that he would have the government implement tighter rules on immigrants and their level of english. He saw the fact that there are communities in this country who don't speak the native language as a problem.

I don't think this is such a big problem. I sure can get frustrated when I interact with a customer who can't express themselves, but I had to point out that this happens more with customers who speak english! As well, I think a great deal of economy is generated (especially in Toronto) by ethnic communities. That I might have trouble communicating with the more senior members of these communities is something I accept as a part of this country.

I think my co-worker, deep down, feels threatened.

I'd love to hear peoples' thoughts on this matter, and I think it's highly relevant as a Canadian issue, but I'd be happy if this were moved to General Discussion.

03-01-2006, 04:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
aberkok “Wrong is right.” Location: toronto	Language Barrier/Immigration Philosophy On Monday my co-worker spent 15 mins. on the phone with one of our Chinese customers who speaks english so poorly that it takes several repetitions to understand what he says. To complicate matters, I work at a print music store, where we use a lot of specialized terms which are that much harder to understand when delivered in the thickest of Chinese accents. After (understandably) being frustrated with the guy after finally filling his phone order, he went on a rant, saying how "we enable these people to continue..." My understanding of his mindset was that he would have the government implement tighter rules on immigrants and their level of english. He saw the fact that there are communities in this country who don't speak the native language as a problem. I don't think this is such a big problem. I sure can get frustrated when I interact with a customer who can't express themselves, but I had to point out that this happens more with customers who speak english! As well, I think a great deal of economy is generated (especially in Toronto) by ethnic communities. That I might have trouble communicating with the more senior members of these communities is something I accept as a part of this country. I think my co-worker, deep down, feels threatened. I'd love to hear peoples' thoughts on this matter, and I think it's highly relevant as a Canadian issue, but I'd be happy if this were moved to General Discussion. __________________ !check out my new blog! http://arkanamusic.wordpress.com Warden Gentiles: "It? Perfectly innocent. But I can see how, if our roles were reversed, I might have you beaten with a pillowcase full of batteries."