FabSwingers.com > Forums > The Lounge > Should I let on?
Should I let on?
Jump to: Newest in thread
 |
By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
A couple of weeks ago I started a new job. Nothing exciting but it's going to pay the bills until my ideal job comes around.
Most of the lads on my team are Polish and when communicating with each other either on the shop floor or on breaks they speak Polish - naturally.
When speaking to me they and the only other English guy they speak English (and very well too)- obviously.
Should I let on that I'm a fluent Polish speaker? Or should I keep it a secret as it could come in handy?... 
As an aside, they don't talk about anyone behind their backs either before the Britain First mob pipe in... |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
I think it'd be great
It is always lovely when abroad when a national addresses you in your own language
Not just waiters etc but normal people going about their business
|
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Just start speaking in Polish and watch the reaction
If you hide it and they find out at a later date it will seem as if you were hiding it for a reason"
 |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"Just start speaking in Polish and watch the reaction
If you hide it and they find out at a later date it will seem as if you were hiding it for a reason"
You see I've been thinking that very same thing. I was contemplating only speaking Polish tonight on my night shift. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *uzy444Woman
over a year ago
in the suffolk countryside |
dont know why you havent told them already...longer you leave it the more they will think youve kept something from them..not good in work situation..so id tell them as soon as, especially as theyve been communicating with you in english to make you feel included in conversations x |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"dont know why you havent told them already...longer you leave it the more they will think youve kept something from them..not good in work situation..so id tell them as soon as, especially as theyve been communicating with you in english to make you feel included in conversations x"
I doubt that. They already know my father is Polish because of my surname. They've not asked me if I speak Polish though, so technically I've not misled anyone. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"I'd just start your shift asking one of them to pop the bloody kettle on and make a brew lol "
The Poles are a giving people but as the new bloke I think it's me that should be making the brews... |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
Fall down and pretend to bang your head. Stay in a faint for a little while then when you come to, start speaking fluent Polish. That might mess with their heads. Even better if you can secretly film it too. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Me? I'd keep that locked away in the armoury for sure. You never know!!"
You never know what...
They're plotting to take over the world?
The OP just said they don't talk behind people's backs. Surely the day would be more interesting if you can chat to people. You might even make some great friends?! |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Me? I'd keep that locked away in the armoury for sure. You never know!!
You never know what...
They're plotting to take over the world?
The OP just said they don't talk behind people's backs. Surely the day would be more interesting if you can chat to people. You might even make some great friends?! "
People speaking in another language they think you don't understand are talking behind your back |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"A couple of weeks ago I started a new job. Nothing exciting but it's going to pay the bills until my ideal job comes around.
Most of the lads on my team are Polish and when communicating with each other either on the shop floor or on breaks they speak Polish - naturally.
When speaking to me they and the only other English guy they speak English (and very well too)- obviously.
Should I let on that I'm a fluent Polish speaker? Or should I keep it a secret as it could come in handy?...
As an aside, they don't talk about anyone behind their backs either before the Britain First mob pipe in..."
A friend of mine was adopted by a Welsh couple and spoke fluent Welsh. He started a job as an SRN, this was back in the 80s, and there were two other Welsh speaking staff there.
He never let on he could speak Welsh and the names they used to call him whilst smiling to his face amused him more than anything. When one of them got promoted and was leaving he went along to the leaving do and wished him good luck and the very best for the future.
He said his face was an absolute picture, as was the woman who was left behind. He said he could tell they were going over every nasty thing they'd said.
Keep stumm! |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"I'd just start your shift asking one of them to pop the bloody kettle on and make a brew lol
The Poles are a giving people but as the new bloke I think it's me that should be making the brews..."
Absolutely, newbies job
It's all in timing MrWho, you'll know when it's right... |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"I'd just start your shift asking one of them to pop the bloody kettle on and make a brew lol
The Poles are a giving people but as the new bloke I think it's me that should be making the brews..."
well since your so kind tea please  |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Announce at the end of your shift that you're off to learn Polish ...then at the beginning of your next shift surprise them with your fluent Polish "
This is what I'd do |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Just start speaking in Polish and watch the reaction
If you hide it and they find out at a later date it will seem as if you were hiding it for a reason
You see I've been thinking that very same thing. I was contemplating only speaking Polish tonight on my night shift."
best to tell me |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"A couple of weeks ago I started a new job. Nothing exciting but it's going to pay the bills until my ideal job comes around.
Most of the lads on my team are Polish and when communicating with each other either on the shop floor or on breaks they speak Polish - naturally.
When speaking to me they and the only other English guy they speak English (and very well too)- obviously.
Should I let on that I'm a fluent Polish speaker? Or should I keep it a secret as it could come in handy?...
As an aside, they don't talk about anyone behind their backs either before the Britain First mob pipe in...
A friend of mine was adopted by a Welsh couple and spoke fluent Welsh. He started a job as an SRN, this was back in the 80s, and there were two other Welsh speaking staff there.
He never let on he could speak Welsh and the names they used to call him whilst smiling to his face amused him more than anything. When one of them got promoted and was leaving he went along to the leaving do and wished him good luck and the very best for the future.
He said his face was an absolute picture, as was the woman who was left behind. He said he could tell they were going over every nasty thing they'd said.
Keep stumm! "
From what I've overheard so far they only have positive things to say about everyone, even the management. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
Use google translate on a screen to ask them if you can learn their language. "It will take years" they will confidently announce. "I can use my Jedi mind tricks" you answer,then in answer to their laugher you do be Jedi hand movement and then start talking in Polish.....  |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"A couple of weeks ago I started a new job. Nothing exciting but it's going to pay the bills until my ideal job comes around.
Most of the lads on my team are Polish and when communicating with each other either on the shop floor or on breaks they speak Polish - naturally.
When speaking to me they and the only other English guy they speak English (and very well too)- obviously.
Should I let on that I'm a fluent Polish speaker? Or should I keep it a secret as it could come in handy?...
As an aside, they don't talk about anyone behind their backs either before the Britain First mob pipe in...
A friend of mine was adopted by a Welsh couple and spoke fluent Welsh. He started a job as an SRN, this was back in the 80s, and there were two other Welsh speaking staff there.
He never let on he could speak Welsh and the names they used to call him whilst smiling to his face amused him more than anything. When one of them got promoted and was leaving he went along to the leaving do and wished him good luck and the very best for the future.
He said his face was an absolute picture, as was the woman who was left behind. He said he could tell they were going over every nasty thing they'd said.
Keep stumm!
From what I've overheard so far they only have positive things to say about everyone, even the management."
Perhaps they already assume you can speak the language and are waiting to see if you tell them.  |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Me? I'd keep that locked away in the armoury for sure. You never know!!
You never know what...
They're plotting to take over the world?
The OP just said they don't talk behind people's backs. Surely the day would be more interesting if you can chat to people. You might even make some great friends?!
People speaking in another language they think you don't understand are talking behind your back "
Do you write headlines for the Daily Mail? |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
My view is that its rude of them to speak Polish infront of people they know (or presume) only speak English..
Id keep it a secret.. they cant say anything as they are using Polish in and around other English only speakers so are they not 'being secretive' |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
Wait until someone has an argument with you...they will probably curse you in their native language.... That's when you strike back with a torrent of abuse in Polish and whatch their expression.... Priceless x 
(yes I know I'm evil... I did this in Japanese) |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"A couple of weeks ago I started a new job. Nothing exciting but it's going to pay the bills until my ideal job comes around.
Most of the lads on my team are Polish and when communicating with each other either on the shop floor or on breaks they speak Polish - naturally.
When speaking to me they and the only other English guy they speak English (and very well too)- obviously.
Should I let on that I'm a fluent Polish speaker? Or should I keep it a secret as it could come in handy?...
As an aside, they don't talk about anyone behind their backs either before the Britain First mob pipe in..."
Enjoy yourself and pretend to be a spy in 1950s Eastern Block, it'll make the day go quicker for you if you are bored. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"A couple of weeks ago I started a new job. Nothing exciting but it's going to pay the bills until my ideal job comes around.
Most of the lads on my team are Polish and when communicating with each other either on the shop floor or on breaks they speak Polish - naturally.
When speaking to me they and the only other English guy they speak English (and very well too)- obviously.
Should I let on that I'm a fluent Polish speaker? Or should I keep it a secret as it could come in handy?...
As an aside, they don't talk about anyone behind their backs either before the Britain First mob pipe in..."
I have the same situation at my job but the difference is I don't speak polish fluently. I pick up about 50% of what their saying. Can be handy at times |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
Get them to teach you Polish. Start slowly then go to work on a Monday and tell them you have been doing your homework. Then come out with a quote or speech by lech Walesa, start with, we the people and create an uprising against the management. They will be carrying you on their shoulders by the end of the day. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Get them to teach you Polish. Start slowly then go to work on a Monday and tell them you have been doing your homework. Then come out with a quote or speech by lech Walesa, start with, we the people and create an uprising against the management. They will be carrying you on their shoulders by the end of the day."
Yep! like that one. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"A couple of weeks ago I started a new job. Nothing exciting but it's going to pay the bills until my ideal job comes around.
Most of the lads on my team are Polish and when communicating with each other either on the shop floor or on breaks they speak Polish - naturally.
When speaking to me they and the only other English guy they speak English (and very well too)- obviously.
Should I let on that I'm a fluent Polish speaker? Or should I keep it a secret as it could come in handy?...
As an aside, they don't talk about anyone behind their backs either before the Britain First mob pipe in...
I have the same situation at my job but the difference is I don't speak polish fluently. I pick up about 50% of what their saying. Can be handy at times "
I picked up a lot of French when I worked in a school. I don't think all the French speaking staff realised I understand a lot of what they were talking about. I didn't deliberately ear wig,they used to talk in front of me outside classes and in the staff room. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Me? I'd keep that locked away in the armoury for sure. You never know!!
You never know what...
They're plotting to take over the world?
The OP just said they don't talk behind people's backs. Surely the day would be more interesting if you can chat to people. You might even make some great friends?!
People speaking in another language they think you don't understand are talking behind your back
Do you write headlines for the Daily Mail? "
Oh,you're calling me racist for expecting people to use manners. Work for the Guardian do you? |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"My view is that its rude of them to speak Polish infront of people they know (or presume) only speak English..
Id keep it a secret.. they cant say anything as they are using Polish in and around other English only speakers so are they not 'being secretive' "
English is the minority language in my department. There's only two English people in my team and whenever they speak to us, which is often, they speak perfect English. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"dont know why you havent told them already...longer you leave it the more they will think youve kept something from them..not good in work situation..so id tell them as soon as, especially as theyve been communicating with you in english to make you feel included in conversations x
I doubt that. They already know my father is Polish because of my surname. They've not asked me if I speak Polish though, so technically I've not misled anyone."
Ah note to self, must read every post before comments  |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Announce at the end of your shift that you're off to learn Polish ...then at the beginning of your next shift surprise them with your fluent Polish "
I'd go with this one, bound to give them a laugh and shows you're not being a sneaky Pete keeping it to yourself OP. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Wait until someone has an argument with you...they will probably curse you in their native language.... That's when you strike back with a torrent of abuse in Polish and whatch their expression.... Priceless x
(yes I know I'm evil... I did this in Japanese) "
Snap!
Had the very same thing several times only in Spanish.
I've had times though where I've not spoken a word of English when living there even though I was in an English office as the client was a complete arse.
Other times I've caught people out when they been speaking in Spanish thinking no one will know what they are saying and you flippantly drop an answer as you walk past 
Just like the card commercial- priceless |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
» Add a new message to this topic
Who am I kidding! There is no reason to hide it so just have a little fun with it x 