vB Easy Archive - Speaking Spanish

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Speaking Spanish
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Posted by: baydestrian

Does it upset you that people dont want to speak english when they know how? Im latin and fluent in both languages but I dont think its right that they wont talk to my other co-workers when they would be able to help them out as much as I can. It just means that I'm taking on their issues as well, its not always sales.

Disclaimer:This is not a race issue.

Posted by: cellguy030

yes, this is a big hot button for me, but on the lighter side of it i have had it be a funny experience.

this Hispanic guy comes in and looks around and gives me the "speke espanol?" i said no, no body in the store does. then he smiles and says in perfect English, "then how the hell is anybody gonna help me?!?!" we all had a good laugh about it.

other than that, yea, it is really irritating

Posted by: OffTheHorseCEO

i understand the whole this is america speak american, and i agree that it is to everyones benefit to speak english in an english speaking country.
HOWEVER you are in sales, it is to your benefit to have all the tools that would help you close a sale. Dont wanna speak spanish to someone? Thats ok cause i dont mind it.

I understand what you mean though, and this is what ive noticed

Hispanics have this sense of pride in their heritage, as does any race or person with certain beliefs im sure. the way they (we) see it is, if spanish is my native tongue, and spanish is your native tongue, and we're both capable of speaking it, then why the hell are we speaking english. If im speaking to someone who obviously grew up here i might speak english simply because im more comfortable with english, if i get a lot of spanish responses i might switch to spanish or "spanglish".

My little brother grew up knowing absolutely no spanish, he works in sales now and guess what, he speaks spanish now too.

edit: also, you should feel good about them only wanting to talk to you, it means they see you as "their salesperson, the gotoguy/gal"

Posted by: JBaughb

Yeah, it may seem like a pain when they have account issues...but it is definitely worth it when they come back to add a line or they refer their spanish speaking friend or family member to you.

Trust me, having that kind of relationship and reputation with a customer will always be beneficial to you.

Posted by: FormerRuling

I always love the customers that go:
"Hablo Espanol?" (In deep Spanish Accent)

"No" (Me)

"Ok, then, Heres my issue...blah blah blah" (In Perfect English)

Posted by: mentalcase

I think what bothers me more is when a customer who is speaking to me in perfect english reverts to another language to say something to their buddy. Its extremely rude.

Posted by: Malibu21

Quote:

Originally Posted by mentalcase

I think what bothers me more is when a customer who is speaking to me in perfect english reverts to another language to say something to their buddy. Its extremely rude.

Agreed, no matter what language, in my area its Tagolag and Spanish, when they're talking to me in English and they start talking to a spouse/friend in a foreign language its plain out rude.

However, Im looking into getting Rosetta Stone for Spanish, I've noticed that customers trust my spanish speaking co-worker more than me, the deeper the accent the more they trust you when you speak their langauge.

I'll talk to the customer, then transfer the sale to him and they end up taking something with them where they didn't want to buy from me.

Like a previous poster said, its beneficial to you, if they want to speak spanish, let em, it'll let them trust you more.

Flip it around and you'll know what I'm talking about.

Lets say you speak a little japanese, and you move to japan, you're looking at getting a cell phone, they greet you in Japanese and you respond: Do you speak english, surprisingly they say yes, you've made an instant bond, the rep speaks your langauge fluently, in a country where few people speak your language.

Bottom line is take advantage of the situation.

Posted by: OffTheHorseCEO

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malibu21

Flip it around and you'll know what I'm talking about.

Lets say you speak a little japanese, and you move to japan, you're looking at getting a cell phone, they greet you in Japanese and you respond: Do you speak english, surprisingly they say yes, you've made an instant bond, the rep speaks your langauge fluently, in a country where few people speak your language.

Bottom line is take advantage of the situation.

Exactly

I'd like to comment on the whole speaking spanish to a buddy thing.
I think most peoples problem with that is they assume they are being talked about. that is most often not the case. like i said, i speak both spanish and english, im capable of spanish that sounds fluent, but my spanish vocabulary needs work. if i was in mexico or even the mexican stores/restaurants/flea markets/watever here i might talk to the vendors in spanish, then turn around and say something in english to my brother, english is my primary language even though i am hispanic, i grew up speaking english and so did my brothers. im not trying to be rude, it just feels funny talkin in spanish to my brother.

if you and your friend both took a french class and mastered french, would you then go around speaking nothing but french to each other? no you would probably speak english to each other, and use the french when necessary

i hope you get my point, no offense meant or taken just tryin to get across the logic behind stuff

Posted by: baydestrian

To be honest with you it isn't that beneficial. 80% of hispanics that come in here have bill issues or want to pay their bill. A small 20% would actually buy their phone here, they usually get their phone at Wal Mart or Radio Shack. When they do come in here and want to talk to me, they feel they have someone on the inside and expect to get free crap most of the time.

*again I'm not trying to make a political stance, I'm just saying, I take on more issues because I speak spanish. It's hardly ever sales.

Posted by: JBaughb

Quote:

Originally Posted by baydestrian

To be honest with you it isn't that beneficial. 80% of hispanics that come in here have bill issues or want to pay their bill. A small 20% would actually buy their phone here, they usually get their phone at Wal Mart or Radio Shack. When they do come in here and want to talk to me, they feel they have someone on the inside and expect to get free crap most of the time.

*again I'm not trying to make a political stance, I'm just saying, I take on more issues because I speak spanish. It's hardly ever sales.

...dont you think that is a bit stereotypical? I know you're not trying to start a race issue with this but some comments are best left off the forums.

Posted by: i880/8525junkie

I take an issue with that not only as a AT&T Sales rep but as a Bilingual human being. All races have cheap skates, it's not just limited to Hispanics b/c trust me, the last place you'd find me is @ radio shack or wal mart. I only buy PDA's and high end phones and I'm a dual citizen of Dominican Republic and the United States. I not only understand the value of a good phone, I'm the most tech savvy rep in my store so I'd be mroe careful with what you say next time.

Posted by: FormerRuling

Thats a regional thing here (talking about baydestrian's last post), not a racial one.

Your stereotypical person one place is a lot different than your stereotypical person in another.

Posted by: baydestrian

No, you're missing my point. Those are MY statistics out of MY store. All I'm saying is it doesn't truly benefit me speaking spanish, I just end up taking on more issues than sales. Thats all. I apologize if I offended anyone, I'm Latino myself.

Posted by: celluser7

Quote:

Originally Posted by baydestrian

Does it upset you that people dont want to speak english when they know how?

Yes, and why they dont wana speak english...?? Cause americans are catering toward them. Everywhere u go, papers and literature are printed in english and spanish... what motivation do they have to speak english when americans are catering to them..?? Everytime i go to a bank, store or somewhere that we have an option of whom to speak to, most of the hispanics will WAIT to speak to one of the hispanics behind the counter. What does that say for them..?? Does that one person really not speak english or are they just that lazy to not wana speak the language or do they just wana speak to one of their own..?? Who knows...?? Only they know.

Quote:

Im latin and fluent in both languages but I dont think its right that they wont talk to my other co-workers when they would be able to help them out as much as I can.

Its simple, cause a majority of the time, they are looking for another hispanic that may UNDERSTAND their problem better than an american would maybe cause of their accent OR maybe their thinking that by speaking to a fellow hispanic, u may hook them up with something OR maybe they just feel more comfortable talking to one of their own. And for those u that think thats a bit stereotypical.... u can kiss my rear cause its than darn truth. This is NOT a hispanic thing, this is ALL races..!!!

My wife is american and i am hispanic and also fluent in both languages and wy wife get upset when we are at a restaurant or store of any sort and we have 2 hispanics taking care of us and they look at each other and talk in spanish and start laughing. Although i understand and have to translate 4 her, it still irritates her to no end. Especially when she is getting her nails done at the local nail care place and all of them are of asian descent and they do that talking to each other and laughing all day long....

I live in orlando fla and the hispanic's are comming in by the truck loads and they are literally taking over all the stores. From fast food restaurants to corporate stores, auto parts stores....they are everywhere. Ive been here since 89 and it was all white americans, now the white americans are diminishing out and hispanics are taking over, literally. This city within a few yrs will become to what we know in miami and little havanna..!!

And it sux cause i work for ATT landline and there are only 4 hispanics in our group of 20. And we hear racial jokes and comments all day long. I know they mean it cause they constantly abuse the jokes and when someone in the yard speaks about a customer that didnt speak english... the 1st thing out of one of their mouths was... were they spanish..?? When one doesnt mean it, they only do it once, but when u abuse the jokes over and over, its meant to be. I let it go cause its their ignorance, not mine.

And ill agree with some of u, hispanics give americans the most trouble with speaking english, why... cause americans let them.

Posted by: i880/8525junkie

Well I'm sorry to say it but Spanish is my native tongue and if I find someone who speaks it, I'll work with them, it's called preference. It's called Freedom of Speech. If you don't like it, blame the founding fathers for not making English the Official language of the land when they ratified the Constitution. English is nothing more then a tool, something that I use when needed. Trust me, If I could, I'd never use it.

Posted by: celluser7

Quote:

Originally Posted by i880/8525junkie

Well I'm sorry to say it but Spanish is my native tongue and if I find someone who speaks it, I'll work with them, it's called preference. It's called Freedom of Speech. If you don't like it, blame the founding fathers for not making English the Official language of the land when they ratified the Constitution. English is nothing more then a tool, something that I use when needed. Trust me, If I could, I'd never use it.

There is nothing to be sorry about, spanish is ur native language. Its not ur fault you were not born in the US where english dominates.
Its just the guys on this thread are complaining about those hispanics that come to the stores and LOOK for hispanic employee's only. And the 1st thing they ask is if they speak spanish, and when they are told NO, they start to speak perfect english...
Now the question is WHY, is the 1st question out of their mouth's "do u speak spanish" when after all they speak english perfectly....

If u speak english perfectly, why not go to the 1st person available (hispanic or not) and talk to them.... why look for the 1st hispanic to speak with..

Im gonna stop here cause this topic can go on for PAGES AND PAGES and never get anthing settled...

Posted by: i880/8525junkie

I was born here in the U.S. I was taught spanish @ home and I learned English in school. While I'm a naturalized citizen of the U.S., I just so happened to be born here. For all I know, I could've been born in New Zealand. It doesn't change the fact that I'm Dominican. I'd rather speak spanish b/c it's my natural language. When I think it's in spanish, so before I say anything in English, I have to translate it first.

Posted by: JBaughb

I think in binary and have to translate that to english...

haha, wouldnt it be great to think in "1337 speak" and have to translate that.

"1 w0nd3R 1Ph thi5 9Uy WOUld 8UY 4 D4ta pl@N? "

disclaimer:
I used a translator...I dont actually know how to type in leet speak.

Posted by: Alfred_Neuman

i saw 0 benefit but all the problems.

at first i thought it would pay itself off, but it never did. i just got more and more issues.

i honesty avoid using it at all cost. sometimes i lied and said no just so i could move on and not sit there talking with them for 40 mins while i had a line.

Posted by: bobolito

Quote:

Originally Posted by i880/8525junkie

I was born here in the U.S. I was taught spanish @ home and I learned English in school. While I'm a naturalized citizen of the U.S., I just so happened to be born here. For all I know, I could've been born in New Zealand. It doesn't change the fact that I'm Dominican. I'd rather speak spanish b/c it's my natural language. When I think it's in spanish, so before I say anything in English, I have to translate it first.

Anda pa'l carajo! Dime loco! y que mi pana? Ta to!

Now, how in the world could we translate something like that to English while retaining the same meaning?

I have some friends, however, whom I speak in english or spanish either way, so it doesn't make any difference what language we speak, but there are still certain words and phrases that just can't be said in English and it's funny how we mix them up, creating what we call Spanglish. Likewise, there are things in English that can't be translated into Spanish.

But whichever language I choose to speak it depends on who I am speaking with. I know people that speak perfect Spanish but we still speak in English, all because we met speaking English and we've simply remained that way because it is more comfortable for us. But with my family I am more comfortable speaking Spanish and so wherever we go we prefer to speak Spanish to each other. It's not about being rude. After all, we grew up speaking Spanish, so like someone said earlier, it just feels weird to talk to my family in English.

Posted by: baydestrian

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfred_Neuman

i saw 0 benefit but all the problems.

at first i thought it would pay itself off, but it never did. i just got more and more issues.

i honesty avoid using it at all cost. sometimes i lied and said no just so i could move on and not sit there talking with them for 40 mins while i had a line.

EXACTLY!!!!!!!

Posted by: Wonwad

Spanish was my first language and I learned english in school. Of course, as a salesperson, I should speak the language (english or spanish) that the customer prefers. If I see that the customer is having a hard time communicating in English, I'll gladly start to speak in spanish to accommodate them. However, I don't care about hispanic pride or w/e, I get a lot of customers that walk in speaking spanish and get mad because one of my co-workers doesn't.

Posted by: N4KVE

I work at a GM dealer in West Palm Beach selling parts for huge trucks, & we get lots of Spanish customers. 1/2 speak both languages, 1/4 come in with a bilingual friend, & 1/4 come in with a cell phone with a bilingual friend on the line. But every now & then a customer comes in without these aids. He says "Someone speaky Spanish" & we shake our heads "no". We used to have a few Spanish employees we'd ask to help, but they've moved to other jobs. Well this guy comes in one Saturday looking for a Spanish employee & none were around except for a salesman. He drags the salesman to the parts dept & asks him to translate what he needs. The salesman tells him in both languages that he has the next up [next customer who walks in the door] & has no time to play translator, & to learn English, & goes back to the showroom. While Louis is a bottom feeder salesman, I bought him lunch that day.We don't worry about losing business as we are a medium & heavy duty truck dealer & the next dealer is 100 miles away. My great grandfather came to this country over 100 years ago & learned English immediately so he could start a successful business, which he did. No habla here. GARY N4KVE

Posted by: fusiclover

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wonwad

customers that walk in speaking spanish and get mad because one of my co-workers doesn't.

And therein lies the problem.

I don't speak Spanish. Can I say 1-20 in spanish, sure, I've been able to do that since I was five. Will I still help you if you speak spanish and no english? Of course. I've actualy completed sales with customers who speak little to no english by using spanish guides and spanish sales sheets. Did they get mad that I didn't speak spanish? No, they actually appreciated that I was patient and took the time to make sure they knew everything they needed to know, and scrambled to find all the resources I could in spanish.

There are customers, however, who will get upset if you don't speak spanish, that's their problem, not yours.
It's a beautiful thing to be bilingual, and I'm sure many are envious of those who are, as you typically learned it from family growing up. But it's natural to be an American and only speak one language, but if you're in the United States and that language isn't English, of course you're going to have issues, and should make every attempt at learning the language of the masses.

I've never agreed that if you live in the United States you should ONLY speak English. Speak whatever you want, our ancestors did! This country wasn't discovered by an English guy, he was Portugese for pete's sake!
At one time France owned part of this country, as did Spain.

Regardless of where you are in the world, the old saying stands firm, "When in Rome..." and the same applies here.

Posted by: FormerRuling

In call centers the official policy is even if you speak Spanish - you have to get the Spanish Line on the phone to assist the customer.

This is because they'll call the porting department one day and get Joe that can speak Spanish, then the next time they call in they get pissed because Carol can't and has to get translators.

Posted by: Malibu21

I'm all for being bilingual, but like it has been said, learn the language of the masses, if you goto Spain to live there, you'd try to learn spanish, it works vice versa, but as another poster has stated, you don't need to, everything is reprinted in spanish, however that makes it harder on the non-spanish speaking masses, i'm gonna get rosetta stone and learn spanish

Haha, about customers getting mad, I had a lady once, spoke only spanish, she asked me a question and i'm like uhhhhhhh...... I don't speak spanish

Now from my light understanding of spanish, she basically cussed at me, called me an idiot for not knowing spanish. I was like get the **** outa my store! I couldn't believe that I was being called an idiot for not knowing spanish, in SF no less!!!

Posted by: i880/8525junkie

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malibu21

I'm all for being bilingual, but like it has been said, learn the language of the masses, if you goto Spain to live there, you'd try to learn spanish, it works vice versa, but as another poster has stated, you don't need to, everything is reprinted in spanish, however that makes it harder on the non-spanish speaking masses, i'm gonna get rosetta stone and learn spanish

Haha, about customers getting mad, I had a lady once, spoke only spanish, she asked me a question and i'm like uhhhhhhh...... I don't speak spanish

Now from my light understanding of spanish, she basically cussed at me, called me an idiot for not knowing spanish. I was like get the **** outa my store! I couldn't believe that I was being called an idiot for not knowing spanish, in SF no less!!!

See that right there is wrong, she had no right to do that. In that particular situacion, she was out of line.

Posted by: i880/8525junkie

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobolito

Anda pa'l carajo! Dime loco! y que mi pana? Ta to!

Now, how in the world could we translate something like that to English while retaining the same meaning?

Simple, you can't! Dominican Lingo is beyond comprehension to most spanish countries, let alone americans! Oye loko, yo no sabia k tu era dominicano?!?!

Posted by: EPVQ30

el op es un vendio.. no quiere a su propia gente.
das pena pana.

Posted by: Malibu21

Quote:

Originally Posted by EPVQ30

el op es un vendio.. no quiere a su propia gente.
das pena pana.

English please.. oh wait, it can't be fully translated crap....

Posted by: Alfred_Neuman

thing for me is........ if i sold them onto the service i would get bugged by them if they saw me anywhere and not let me leave and. im talking about outside of the store. i decided at one point i would stop upselling them onto the service if they got a deposit.

"got a 400 deposit? im so sorry. next time right? bye" from a business prospective its a loss as i gaurantee you their line is going to shut off before 6 months and you'll get the yelling,screaming annoyance it comes with it and cingular will be out of a few hundred dollars too.

Posted by: OffTheHorseCEO

ive never heard of anyone gettin mad because someone cant help them in spanish.

i also rarely get bugged by customers whom i activated, sure ill get the greeting whats up or watever but never bugged.

how would AT&T be out of a few hundred dollars?

Posted by: baydestrian

Quote:

Originally Posted by EPVQ30

el op es un vendio.. no quiere a su propia gente.
das pena pana.

translation: i dont love my "people", and i should be ashamed. HUMANS are my people.

See this right here ^^^^ is just being UNEDUCATED. This is what makes me not want to speak spanish, I have my own issues in life and no one makes it easier for me nor do I demand people to make my life easier. I had some guy come into my store and wanted to fight me cause I didn't want to speak spanish, says he doesnt know english. As soon as he came in he had a chip on his shoulder so I refused plus I spent a whole hour with him going over plans and phones and he goes to wal mart. BUT he was able to tell my manager that I was useless, IN ENGLISH.

Posted by: smack4ud

for the record, people should speak the OFFICIAL language, and here in California (one of 22 states, i believe) that language is English. My family came to this country a while ago where there weren't free english classes at the city hall or the community college, but they got by and now that hispanic side of my family is totally immersed in English. Not learning the language is just downright lazy and by teaching it as a first language to your children will inevitably hurt their English progression and most like prevent them from doing the greatest things here in America. The official business language in not just America, but the WORLD is english, and buying a cellular device and signing a law-binding contract is what i would call.... BUSINESS. So learn your english make your money and speak whatever you want at home. But most importantly be self-sufficient. Thats the American way.

Yesterday I actually got a guy in my sprint store who wanted a spanish speaker, but the only one who's fluent was on lunch. I speak passable English but I emphasized to him he should probably visit another store where all the reps speak spanish. I gave him the addresses to 2 stores about 20 miles away... and he walked out. Me my boss and my coworkers had a good laugh.

Posted by: classylady78

There is no OFFICIAL LANGUAGE in this country.

Posted by: EPVQ30

hey baydes take it ez man you sound like a soap opera from telemundo. drama to the max.

Posted by: fusiclover

Quote:

Originally Posted by classylady78

There is no OFFICIAL LANGUAGE in this country.

Actually, many states constitutions do declare an official language of English.

Posted by: classylady78

But there is nothing in our constitution or on a federal level declaring an official language.

Posted by: baydestrian

Quote:

Originally Posted by EPVQ30

hey baydes take it ez man you sound like a soap opera from telemundo. drama to the max.

hmm....very clever.

Posted by: danny.boi

Regardless of how you feel towards people speaking in their native tongue vs speaking English, I think speaking another language is both a blessing and a great tool especially for sales.

If you live in an area where the Hispanic population is high like Los Angeles, Miami, Houston or New York, speaking Spanish is a useful tool. Think of it as an extension to your education.

The best part is that you don't have to be Latino to learn it. You can be white, asian, black or other. Like others said, speaking Spanish doesn't have to be a race thing. Anyone can learn it.

Prepaid is booming and especially hot for Spanish speaking users. You want to be successful in this part of the industry, learn Spanish. Telefonica Spain is looking to expand their offering to the US later this year or early 2009. For those of you who don't know who Telefonica is, they are the 3rd largest wireless company in the world behind China Mobile and Vodafone. You could be part of a new wave of prepaid services to hit the US.

The next time you hear your coworker mumble under his breath how he resents your use of the Spanish language in your store, just remember he's just jealous that you are able to close sales he could only dream of. He'll throw the "this is America," crap at you but that's his only defense mechanism to rationalize his ignorance. Don't get mad at him, you should really feel sorry for him.

I have a strong South American ancestory (Argentina). Although I grew up speaking English only, I learned Spanish as an adult. A lot of people think I'm Caucasian when they meet me because I'm Guero and don't have that dark Mestizo look that people associate with Latino's around here. Some of my peers at the office trip out when I start speaking Spanish to our maintenance staff. I also learned how to apply the appropriate accent where applicable so I sound natural. This has opened up so many doors for me career wise.

When my CEO has board meetings or international conference calls with execs from Argentina, Spain, Mexico and Puerto Rico, he invites me in to translate for him. I also manage large groups that extend past our North American borders because of my ability to speak another language. This tool has made me invaluable to my company at the highest level and I've been rewarded nicely for it.

Posted by: danny.boi

Quote:

Originally Posted by smack4ud

Yesterday I actually got a guy in my sprint store who wanted a spanish speaker, but the only one who's fluent was on lunch. I speak passable English but I emphasized to him he should probably visit another store where all the reps speak spanish. I gave him the addresses to 2 stores about 20 miles away... and he walked out. Me my boss and my coworkers had a good laugh.

Ahhhhh. You work for Sprint - land of the best Customer Service!!

It's funny that Boost's biggest customer are Spanish speaking users (not Black Urban like most people think) and one of the few net positive groups that seems to keep Sprint afloat despite the internal turmoil going on.

Maybe as a store CS/Salesrep, you could appreciate who is paying your check each month and open up your mind a bit.

As a salesrep, all you should worry about is how to make your quota and keep customers happy. Who cares whether or not a Spanish speaking user has learned the official state language? Would you really deny yourself the sale because someone didn't speak the official language? You are only throwing money away in your attempt to moralize a country who will most likely never change.

Big businesses know that in order to make money outside the box, they have to cater to those who speak other languages. They'd be foolish not to.

Posted by: smack4ud

Quote:

Originally Posted by danny.boi

Maybe as a store CS/Salesrep, you could appreciate who is paying your check each month and open up your mind a bit.

As a salesrep, all you should worry about is how to make your quota and keep customers happy. Who cares whether or not a Spanish speaking user has learned the official state language? Would you really deny yourself the sale because someone didn't speak the official language? You are only throwing money away in your attempt to moralize a country who will most likely never change.

I only work for Sprint, because someone in HR at AT&T thought I was racist even though we all made the same jokes around the office, including my SM.

anyways.... who cares bout cust service, if you're not retarded you should have no reason at all to call.

Besides that, if its an activationg you're ****ing right I would do my best at Spanish to close... but if its some BS return or a bill payment.... that helps my paycheck VERY LITTLE, I will send them on their way. My brain power should go into something else like writing thank you cards or using sales force.com.

Posted by: danny.boi

Quote:

Originally Posted by smack4ud

I only work for Sprint, because someone in HR at AT&T thought I was racist even though we all made the same jokes around the office, including my SM.

anyways.... who cares bout cust service, if you're not retarded you should have no reason at all to call.

B.. but if its some BS return or a bill payment.... that helps my paycheck VERY LITTLE, I will send them on their way.

The above sentiments are 3 reasons to avoid your store and/or your company. Do you work for a Sprint corporate store or authorized dealer? I hope the latter.

I met a really cool female Sprint B2B rep the other day. She'd be embarrassed to read this.

Posted by: randomtask77

I don't work for AT&T, but my job does have customers where 80% speak spanish (either bilingual or spanish only).

I don't know how to speak spanish, but my friends/coworkers are teaching me enough to where I could work with customers without constantly asking for someone that could speak spanish.

But we do get a lot of customers that get mad because not everybody at our work speak spanish. She told us that because were really close to Mexico that EVERYBODY NEEDS to know spanish.

So I asked her, if I go to Tijuana could I expect everybody there to know english because they're so close to the US? She chuckled and said no. So I also chuckled and I think she understood my point.

Posted by: ivwshane

Quote:

Originally Posted by randomtask77

I don't work for AT&T, but my job does have customers where 80% speak spanish (either bilingual or spanish only).

I don't know how to speak spanish, but my friends/coworkers are teaching me enough to where I could work with customers without constantly asking for someone that could speak spanish.

But we do get a lot of customers that get mad because not everybody at our work speak spanish. She told us that because were really close to Mexico that EVERYBODY NEEDS to know spanish.

So I asked her, if I go to Tijuana could I expect everybody there to know english because they're so close to the US? She chuckled and said no. So I also chuckled and I think she understood my point.

I went to Cancun recently and everyone spoke English. I was actually disappointed because I wanted to try out my limited vocabulary of Spanish.

Posted by: smack4ud

Quote:

Originally Posted by danny.boi

The above sentiments are 3 reasons to avoid your store and/or your company. Do you work for a Sprint corporate store or authorized dealer? I hope the latter.

Dude, its a mcjob to me. Nothing too big to be concerned about considering my low quota and my part-time status. That B2B rep probably has made this her career, and while I think that's great, I have much bigger things set out for myself besides just being a faceless number for a large corporation such as Sprint.

And I work for a corporate store. And my opinions in no way represent my company, Sprint... who I actually think has some of the best service... our customer service connects immediately when i call. Just a bunch of crybabies and lazy people who aren't self sufficient who are making our rep as bad as it is.

Posted by: celluser7

Quote:

Originally Posted by ivwshane

I went to Cancun recently and everyone spoke English. I was actually disappointed because I wanted to try out my limited vocabulary of Spanish.

ahhhh, thats cause cancun is the tourist capital of mexico... dahh
of course their gonna speak english..

Posted by: fusiclover

Quote:

Originally Posted by smack4ud

If I were your manager, I'd fire you. You are an embarrassment.

You're manager sounds pathetic. If all you want to do is sell, and you wont take the time to assist customers when they come back for assistance, you're probably even more pathetic than you sound, as is your manager for allowing you to continue to work for the company.

Perhaps with your "low quota" your store will be one of the ones closing... we can only hope for our customers sake.

Posted by: smack4ud

wow fusic lover wht are you attacking my boss he has nothing to do with this besides today I helped a colored couple set up picture mail because they got in a fender bender and it took like thirty minutes so you I actually do help people if they are nice about it.

Posted by: classylady78

Quote:

Originally Posted by smack4ud

wow fusic lover wht are you attacking my boss he has nothing to do with this besides today I helped a colored couple set up picture mail because they got in a fender bender and it took like thirty minutes so you I actually do help people if they are nice about it.

A colored couple? You mean African American? No wonder AT&T thought you were racist. Seriously, where are you coming up with your examples?

Posted by: baydestrian

[QUOTE=smack4ud].....besides today I helped a colored couple ....QUOTE]

DAAAAMN!!!!!

Posted by: OffTheHorseCEO

8 posts, talkin junk, "works for sprint" and is in the AT&T forum, i smell a troll, someone please shut this guy down, or just ignore him

Posted by: EPVQ30

i think someone forgot to read TOS

Posted by: smack4ud

I knew I'd get some sort of reaction. I have respect for all people of different creeds, colors, and ethnicities. But that term was popular 50 years ago, and we gotta be politically correct. the NAACP doesn't see it that way, but whatever. And I did work for At&t and i believe my information gathered from working in the phone industry can be a boon to some people on here, that's why I post, to share experiences and maybe help other people. Im such a phone geek too, I check engadget and phone scoop like every day... But whatever.

Posted by: classylady78

Quote:

Originally Posted by smack4ud

I knew I'd get some sort of reaction. I have respect for all people of different creeds, colors, and ethnicities. But that term was popular 50 years ago, and we gotta be politically correct. the NAACP doesn't see it that way, but whatever. And I did work for At&t and i believe my information gathered from working in the phone industry can be a boon to some people on here, that's why I post, to share experiences and maybe help other people. Im such a phone geek too, I check engadget and phone scoop like every day... But whatever.

50 years ago so was the N word but that is inappropriate too. Actually most of your replies are inappropriate, and I would be highly surprised if you made any money as a sales rep with your attitude. I am not replying as I suspect that you are here just to try and cause trouble.

Posted by: Chuyee

I capitalize on the fact that I'm 1 of 2 that speaks spanish in our store...Whats cool about it, is that when you speak your native tongue and/or second language to another native wo/man you get a better sale because they dont feel as though you are trying to take them or scam them...Its turn into a Bigger Better sale without having to slam as my counterparts do at my local malls!! just my two cents.

Posted by: ravegrunt

What sucks the most about being multilingual, is that if you KNOW it can help the customer, the rules still technically state you have to be asked first. No matter how much they stutter through English, you can't switch your language until they ask >.< people that speak Spanish have no issue asking, but try deal with German...that's a much rarer language to find people speaking and it's not a common question in a retail setting :P

Personally, I have a lot of respect for every culture that has decided to lend some of them to the American culture. I luckily live in a state where English is the official language BUT all legal forms have to be made available in multiple languages.

All I am wanting to say here, is that if you can speak another language, use it when you can! Be proud! I always get frustrated by people that are ashamed of their heritage...shoot, I'll speak German/Spanish with you if you prefer, I like the practice and it's often easier for the speaker!

Posted by: EPVQ30

Quote:

Originally Posted by ravegrunt

What sucks the most about being multilingual, is that if you KNOW it can help the customer, the rules still technically state you have to be asked first. No matter how much they stutter through English, you can't switch your language until they ask >.< people that speak Spanish have no issue asking, but try deal with German...that's a much rarer language to find people speaking and it's not a common question in a retail setting :P

Personally, I have a lot of respect for every culture that has decided to lend some of them to the American culture. I luckily live in a state where English is the official language BUT all legal forms have to be made available in multiple languages.

All I am wanting to say here, is that if you can speak another language, use it when you can! Be proud! I always get frustrated by people that are ashamed of their heritage...shoot, I'll speak German/Spanish with you if you prefer, I like the practice and it's often easier for the speaker!

amen brother i hear that.. with the influx of brazilians here in boston, i mean thousands upon thousands of them, i decided to take an inexpensive night adult education portuguese course. because of my spanish background portuguese came very easy. you know what?.. i go to restaurants, dunkin donuts and all different places where i can practice my portuguese and it's a trip! they all comment at how good i can speak it.

i took an italian course at the same library about 5 years ago before i went to italy, which also came in handy when i traveled to europe.
now i consider myslef a polyglote.. if i could put this skill to work for me and make me money. i was thinking about getting certified as a translator for a court house or even better a hospital. now, these people make better money than i do.

Posted by: baydestrian

I love being bilingual but hate it when I'm forced to speak it. I especially love speaking itif it'll impress the ladies!

Posted by: ivwshane

Quote:

Originally Posted by celluser7

ahhhh, thats cause cancun is the tourist capital of mexico... dahh
of course their gonna speak english..

Exactly, they know where their money comes from

Posted by: N4KVE

Well yesterday had a humerous moment. A Spanish customer who spoke no English came into the dealership asking to buy a muffler. He said he needed 2. After entering his vin # in the computer we showed him his truck only had 1 muffler. He shook his head like that wasn't what he wanted but kept saying "muffler muffler". We gave up & told him to wait for the next Spanish customer to help him. 15 minutes later it turns out he wanted 2 mudflaps. What really sucked was the 2 guys were laughing like we were the idiots for not speaking their language. That's OK, we charged him extra for the flaps. By the way, I am bilingual, English & French, so when a French customer comes in I practice my 2nd language. NO habla here. GARY N4KVE

Posted by: 432AttDude

Quote:

Originally Posted by baydestrian

Does it upset you that people dont want to speak english when they know how? Im latin and fluent in both languages but I dont think its right that they wont talk to my other co-workers when they would be able to help them out as much as I can. It just means that I'm taking on their issues as well, its not always sales.

Disclaimer:This is not a race issue.

Most of the spanish speakers that come into my store won't aknowledge me when I ask how I can help them, not even to tell me "no speak english", if our spanish speaking agent is there. It's enough to make me want to learn how to say "How may I help you" in spanish just to turn around and say "sorry, no habla" when they tell me what they need.

Posted by: 432AttDude

[later that day, once I got to work]

...and to top it off, lmao, this is just irony at it's finest, I come to work to a stack of Duo brochures, all in Spanish, but none in English.

Posted by: SoCal91302

Quote:

Originally Posted by i880/8525junkie

I take an issue with that not only as a AT&T Sales rep but as a Bilingual human being. All races have cheap skates, it's not just limited to Hispanics b/c trust me, the last place you'd find me is @ radio shack or wal mart. I only buy PDA's and high end phones and I'm a dual citizen of Dominican Republic and the United States. I not only understand the value of a good phone, I'm the most tech savvy rep in my store so I'd be mroe careful with what you say next time.

I guess you would fall in the 20% they mentioned?

Posted by: EPVQ30

ahhh so much passive hate in this thread just to avoid a ban.. i'm here for my fix.
i love all of you... no really, i love you.

Posted by: SoCal91302

Quote:

Originally Posted by EPVQ30

ahhh so much passive hate in this thread just to avoid a ban.. i'm here for my fix.
i love all of you... no really, i love you.

No kidding, this thread should just be deleted.

Posted by: corys00

Quote:

Originally Posted by 432AttDude

how may i help you = como la puedo ayudar

Posted by: EPVQ30

Quote:

Originally Posted by corys00

how may i help you = como la puedo ayudar

there go, salesman 101. corys' on the right track.

Posted by: 432AttDude

Quote:

Originally Posted by EPVQ30

ahhh so much passive hate in this thread just to avoid a ban.. i'm here for my fix.
i love all of you... no really, i love you.

What hate? I believe the word was annoyance. I've had customers not speak a lick of English, but their 10 year old daughter translated for them so I could help him. Yesterday evening, I had another and he called a friend and put them on speaker phone as a translator. I don't hate them because they don't know the language, I'm not even annoyed with them. They created a way arround the language barrier to get the help that I could give them. The annoyance is with the customers that will walk out of the store un-helped simply because they can't (or won't) speak English. I even have a way around the language barrier for those customers that are willing to let me help them. google "babelfish". it's an online translator. but the customers who would rather disrespect me than let me help them? they are the annoyance.

Posted by: baydestrian

Quote:

Originally Posted by 432AttDude

Originally Posted by EPVQ30
ahhh so much passive hate in this thread just to avoid a ban.. i'm here for my fix."

dont even pay attention to this guy, he hasn't said anything sound through this whole thread. Mindless jabber, that's all he knows.

Posted by: EPVQ30

there you go again with your negativity.. you must really be the life of the party wherever you go.

Posted by: 432AttDude

Quote:

Originally Posted by EPVQ30

there you go again with your negativity.. you must really be the life of the party wherever you go.

Here I (and we) are venting a frustration and even offering advice on how to help customers with a language barrier and you're just sitting on the thread, trolling? You're really bringing the substance to this thread. Tell me, how do you handle the massive flood of non-english speaking customers you inevitably get up there in Boston? If you don't have anything productive to add rather than cheap shots, keep your yap shut and let those of us that DO have an 80% hispanic client base discuss ways to work around the language barrier... and if I get banned for putting someone like you in your place then it was fun while it lasted and adios!

Posted by: EPVQ30

listen attdude, i took night courses on italian and portuguese at the local library. i can tell you it has come very handy in dealing with the influx of brazilians to boston and my travels to europe this past summer.
just because you get annoyed with people from other ethnic backgrounds that don't or can't speak english, doesn't mean you have to take it out on me.

what you resgistered here 2 days ago, and all off the sudden you're a hofo eminence.

Posted by: baydestrian

oh not you again^^^^

Posted by: i880/8525junkie

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal91302

I guess you would fall in the 20% they mentioned?

lol..it has to do with upbringing...My moms comes from a poor background, my father didn't..it's one of those thigns that while I grew up with my mother and had part of that survive through anymeas mentality...my father infused culture, intelligence and savviness to me...so I can see it both ways...I believe in saving money and putting it in the bank when u first get ur check...I honestly don't understand how someone can come go shoppin thinking ot have the CHEAPEST thing we have...it's as if they think they r being a savvy customer when in reality, I'm taking a dump on their head b/c now they're stuck with a Nokia 2610 or LG CE110 for 2 years!!!

Posted by: privax

I had a phone call the other day with a fluent spanish-english speaking lady who went over her minutes the last three months but couldn't understand why.

While nobody but her self can answer the question WHY exactly she went over the past three months I still was able to explain to her where exactly on the bill she would be able to see the numbers which used the most minutes, how many minutes were actually used in total and what she can do to remedy this problem and prevent it from happening in the future.

She then asked if I spoke spanish because she could explain her self better in spanish.
I my self in this situation understood because I know other spanish-english speaking individuals who claim to be better able to explain and conversate in spanish since it is their first language and english being their second, but what I didn't understand and almost frustrated me was the fact that there wasn't really anything more to explain to this lady -- She wasn't getting any credit and it wasn't the first time she went over.

Anyway she was transferred to a spanish rep -- Oh well.

Posted by: trenen

well...i guess they can start by securing down our borders...not giving amnesty, and uhh...forcing English down the throats of any immigrant that wants to become a LEGAL resident of the US.

I see both sides of all your arguments, I really do. I get those people in my store too...they come in talking Spanish to me right off the bat without even asking if I speak it. They ASSUME I speak Spanish because, you know, its the responsibility of every legally born citizen of the US to speak their language. I tell them no, and like everyone else has said...they start speaking perfect English to me. I check their ID during AV, and their name is Jacob Markus Ramirez. Last I checked...there is not a Justin Markus in Spanish.

Oh well...guess that's what happens in an English-first country where you have to "Press 1 for English". Disgusting...and even more so because at&t allows unverified residents to get celluar service. After all...how does someone who speaks no English have "English" marked as their primary language in our systems??

I find it curious how every Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Indian, African, French, any other race than those from Mexico that I have ever helped speak English, and speak English first. They never come up and starting speaking in their native tongue. Must be a San Diego thing...

Posted by: RyanM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mentalcase

I think what bothers me more is when a customer who is speaking to me in perfect english reverts to another language to say something to their buddy. Its extremely rude.

Rude... yes, very.

Thats why I don't mind having 4 years of Middle & High School Spanish. I can understand most of the common/basic things but I really cant carry on a conversation. So sometimes its not too hard to get an idea of what they are saying...

Posted by: incubi

When my parents came to the states in 1987 from Korea. No one talked in their native language if they went somewhere, nor did they expect to be talked to in their native language. As broke as their english was, they still tried and spoke it. I don't understand why we should expect any different from any other race. If you come to the states don't be lazy and learn the language. I'm a Korean American. My parents learned the language, I learned it, my sister learned it, my grand parents learned it, etc... they all learned it. Why should another race be excuses from it? Don't give me the excuses they were born in a different country, guess what? My whole family was born in Korea. We took the time to learn it.
Don't get me wrong, having to speak english and another language is a beautiful thing and I can respect that. I speak English, Korean, Japanese, and a litte bit of Tagalog. I just won't understand and accept the fact if you don't try to learn it don't expect me to cater to you.

This is my opinion and my opinion alone. I may have a different view from you, but that doesn't make me a racist. I respect other cultures and love them, but somethings just need to set right.

Posted by: baydestrian

Quote:

Originally Posted by incubi

When my parents came to the states in 1987 from Korea. No one talked in their native language if they went somewhere, nor did they expect to be talked to in their native language. As broke as their english was, they still tried and spoke it. I don't understand why we should expect any different from any other race. If you come to the states don't be lazy and learn the language. I'm a Korean American. My parents learned the language, I learned it, my sister learned it, my grand parents learned it, etc... they all learned it. Why should another race be excuses from it? Don't give me the excuses they were born in a different country, guess what? My whole family was born in Korea. We took the time to learn it.
Don't get me wrong, having to speak english and another language is a beautiful thing and I can respect that. I speak English, Korean, Japanese, and a litte bit of Tagalog. I just won't understand and accept the fact if you don't try to learn it don't expect me to cater to you.

This is my opinion and my opinion alone. I may have a different view from you, but that doesn't make me a racist. I respect other cultures and love them, but somethings just need to set right.

There you go! That's how I feel and I'm Latin. I don't side with any race. I think it's should be learned by every non-english speaking culture. Period.

Posted by: OffTheHorseCEO

Quote:

Originally Posted by trenen

well...i guess they can start by securing down our borders...not giving amnesty, and uhh...forcing English down the throats of any immigrant that wants to become a LEGAL resident of the US.

I see both sides of all your arguments, I really do. I get those people in my store too...they come in talking Spanish to me right off the bat without even asking if I speak it. They ASSUME I speak Spanish because, you know, its the responsibility of every legally born citizen of the US to speak their language. I tell them no, and like everyone else has said...they start speaking perfect English to me. I check their ID during AV, and their name is Jacob Markus Ramirez. Last I checked...there is not a Justin Markus in Spanish.

Oh well...guess that's what happens in an English-first country where you have to "Press 1 for English". Disgusting...and even more so because at&t allows unverified residents to get celluar service. After all...how does someone who speaks no English have "English" marked as their primary language in our systems??

I find it curious how every Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Indian, African, French, any other race than those from Mexico that I have ever helped speak English, and speak English first. They never come up and starting speaking in their native tongue. Must be a San Diego thing...

- you know there ARE spanish speaking countries other than Mexico
- This was NOT an english first country
- not EVERY Japanese Chinese Russian etc etc speaks english first.
- You are very ignorant

Posted by: trenen

OffTheHorseCEO

- you know there ARE spanish speaking countries other than Mexico - yup, and they are not lazy and actually learn the language of the country they reside in.

- This was NOT an english first country - the land was not, but if you actually read your history, you will find that the founding fathers of the United States of America were English-speaking citizens. Figured this was obvious from the fact that all our Declarations are in ENGLISH, our Pledge is in ENGLISH, our National Anthems are in ENGLISH, and even the Bill of Rights is in ENGLISH. Our schools teach in ENGLISH, Nearly every public television station is in ENGLISH, nearly every book in a local bookstore is...you guessed it, in ENGLISH. Our movies from Hollywood are in ENGLISH, menus in a major chain restaurant are only in ENGLISH, you press nothing or ONE for ENGLISH and TWO for Spanish, our judicial system is run in ENGLISH, all our sports players speak ENGLISH, our actors, or judges, our Congress, our President and his House...all speak ENGLISH. What this country WAS and what it IS are two different things. This IS an ENGLISH-FIRST COUNTRY. Don't like it? Go back to your roots and stop taking up my oxygen.

- not EVERY Japanese Chinese Russian etc etc speaks english first. - I never said every Japanese, Chinese, Russian, etc person speaks English first as their language. What I said is when the come up to me they don't assume I speak their language and start rambling off in their language, they speak English first.

- You are very ignorant - I bet you like Obama.

Posted by: smack4ud

For living a financially and socially successful life in the United States, it is reccommended that you learn the language of the land. You can't have a business license in spanish, can't get a college education in spanish, and if a cop pulls you over, you better bust out the english or you go to jail (maybe?). Not to mention the fact that English is THE international business language.

Rosetta stone is not that expensive. Many cities and local schools offer free English classes. Community college class is not expensive. All these people would be doing is doing what hundreds of years of immigrants before them all did, eventually.

Posted by: ivwshane

Quote:

Originally Posted by trenen

- You are very ignorant - I bet you like Obama.

What the hell does that have to do with anything?

Posted by: incubi

Quote:

Originally Posted by ivwshane

What the hell does that have to do with anything?

I agree, haha.

Posted by: bobolito

Voy a tener que close este thread porque se esta getting fuera de control.

Sorry....

Posted by: CaptShadow

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobolito

Voy a tener que close este thread porque se esta getting fuera de control.

Sorry....

Agreed. (Thanks Google translate

)