Working with people of south Asian origin, I continually find them conducting business and communicating amongst themselves in their native languages, which I think is improper office etiquette. Not to be a nosy person or anything, but I think it’s rude when I am trying to work with them on a problem and they shut me out by talking in their native language amongst themselves while I stand there like an idiot trying to figure out what the heck they’re saying. Is this a cultural thing with them that’s considered acceptable? If so, then I have to apologize because I personally find it very rude and unprofessional to be shut out of conversations that I should be involved in. I don’t mind them talking their native language when it comes to personal matters, but when I’m working with them as a team member, I expect them to speak English so that I too can participate in the discussion. I certainly think they’d be annoyed if I started to speak my native language in their presence and shut them out. On that note, some companies have instituted a “No foreign language” rule, which has caused much controversy and screaming among those whose native language is not English. When working in the USA, we expect you to speak English to the best of your ability. If you want to speak your native language, do it at home or outside, but when in a business setting, it’s expected that others should be able to communicate with you in English. Yes, I have a problem with people who work in the USA and refuse to learn or speak English.