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Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Do you need an interpreter to live in Gwinnett?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sometimes I think that I need the assistance of United Nations interpreters while I navigate through an ordinary day in Gwinnett.
In our county there are more than 100 different languages spoken and it often seems like English is the minority language. Of course, English is still the most common language among Gwinnettians, but undoubtedly more and more native English speakers like me are encountering sudden roadblocks in communications while having a run-of-the-mill day.
Here is a trio of language barriers that I encountered in the last two weeks:
I noticed an unfamiliar man performing landscaping services in my backyard. I opened the window and asked him what company he worked for and what days they are scheduled to work in our community. The middle-aged gentleman who looked Latino just smiled and kept saying “Buenos dias.” He was unable to understand or respond to basic questions that he probably knew the answers to. Because my Spanish is about good as his English we were at an impasse to communicate basic information.
I went to the drive through at a fast food restaurant near my home to grab a quick dinner. The gentleman who took my order appeared to be from South Asia and, to his credit, could understand enough English to know what I wanted on my cheese steak but was unable to chat beyond that. While pulled up at the window and waiting for my order I asked him how business was and he could only repeat “Yes, yes, cheese steak with mayo, lettuce, tomato…” Beyond taking and repeating my order he could not make friendly small talk with his customers.
While visiting a local nail salon to get a manicure and pedicure, the workers in the shop smiled politely and made rudimentary conversations with me in acceptable English. But they talked with each other in their native language and laughed. I tried to not be paranoid but couldn’t help but wonder if they were talking about my crazy-looking toes or something else about me. Rationally, I know that they were probably just more comfortable talking in their own language to each other, but it really robbed me of the high-quality customer service experience that I think should enjoy while pampering myself. This happens to me regularly at this salon.
What is ironic is that if you travel abroad many shopkeepers, street vendors, and restaurant operators and employees speak very understandable English.
Not long ago, I was in San Diego for a conference and I was able to squeeze in a day trip to Tijuana, Mexico. I had no problems communicating with the hordes of business people wanting me to buy souvenirs and meals from them. But on the home front I cannot communicate beyond nods and smiles with a stranger mowing my backyard.
My goal is to learn at least conversational Spanish, but it’s impossible to learn all 100 of the languages spoken in Gwinnett. I hope that business people will help their non-English speaking employees to learn enough English to provide good customer service to those who do not speak their language.
Are you frustrated by language barriers in Gwinnett?
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