<p>so i’ve just started a new job. Officially, the position only requires me to know english and when i interview for this job, i told them that i only knew english. </p>
<p>My work is done in english but there are other people in my group who speak both french so the group meetings are sometimes in french. I don’t know french so and i’m wondering if my job is at risk??</p>
<p>any advice?</p>
<p>Your position requires English, and they hired you. It isn’t likely that they will suddenly fire you because “oh gee we need you to speak French too”. Do speak with your supervisor however, and get his/her advice on dealing with the staff meetings that aren’t held in English. If this is an accident (people just gravitate to French without realizing it) then there should be some kind of signal that the non-speakers can use to get the others back on track. If it is a long-standing tradition, then someone should be assigned to make clear notes for you and the other non-speakers in attendance, AND the company should be paying for French tutors for you and anyone else whose French isn’t up to snuff.</p>
<p>Make sure these people you’re in the meeting with know you don’t speak French. If you were hired with the knowledge you don’t speak French then that means it isn’t expected for you to need it. The people you’re meeting with might have just not realized you don’t speak French. If they did realize it but spoke French anyway then they’re just rude.</p>
<p>Well, it would be relevant where the job is located - in the US, Quebec, France, Haiti, Zaire or whatever. Job security and cultural expectations would differ.</p>
<p>You need to assert yourself and speak up in business meetings if someone accidentally slips into speaking French.
Be diplomatic and say in your best mangled French “please repeat what you said in English.”
After they stop laughing, the speaker will repeat what was said.
Keep it light and jaunty.
Rosetta Stone Conversational French or private French lessons will go a long way to benefit you.</p>
<p>So much need for French education in CC. John Kerry and Mitt Romney wouldn’t have this problem.</p>
<p>To ask to shift back to English, be polite and respectful:</p>
<p>x-coo-zey-mwoi (excuse me) mon-pee-tee-gar-sohn (my esteemed director) avey-voo-lah-ploom-de-mah-tant (my vernacular is rather poor)</p>
<p>LOL sorghum! My French is from the middle of the last century, but it is still good enough to know that what you’ve suggested will probably reduce everyone to tears of laughter. Which often is a good thing. They will know that the OP not only doesn’t know French, but also that he/she is a good sport and is willing to give anything a try.</p>
<p>bump…so i’m not likely to get fired for this?</p>
<p>^^ People have already answered you but you’ll probably find out for certain pretty soon.</p>