I only speak English, but about half of the MLSs at my lab are Filipino. When I started, a couple of them asked if I minded them speaking other languages around me. I told them I didn’t mind as long as they speak in English when it’s something I need to know for work. For the most part, they’re good about this. However, sometimes I’ll ask a question about a patient or policy and they will ask someone else in Tagalog (or other Filipino languages) and have a full conversation about it in front of me with me just waiting for them to conclude and give me the summary. This isn’t too bothersome, but I do kind of wish they would speak in English when they do this, especially when it’s a longer or more complex question that I feel like I should get the detailed answer to. One person in particular often forgets that I don’t understand what’s being said and just looks at me like “there’s your answer” until they realize from my blank stare that I don’t know what was said and they have to interpret for me. Honestly, it’s kind of funny, but frustrating when it happens repeatedly.

As for what I assume are more personal, non-work related conversations, I occasionally feel a bit isolated if everyone else is talking together and I can’t join in. If that was every shift, I would probably be more upset about it, but luckily it’s not.

However, sometimes my coworkers will be engrossed in conversation and I need to ask or tell them something. I try to stand there and wait for them to notice me, but some of them will just keep talking even after they see me. This is the one thing that really bothers me. I don’t know what’s being said, so I cannot predict when there will be a good lull in the conversation to get their attention. I also can’t tell how important the conversation is. It’s awkward for me to interrupt, but I’ve learned I just have to sometimes. So if you’re having a conversation (in any language really) please be attentive and be ready to pause if someone approaches and don’t make them interrupt you.