Language Barrier and Politeness

[hinakiba777]

So as I've established before, I am not really good at confrontation, and I'm super socially awkward. Now normally this doesn't have a huge affect on me academically, but it did during Fall Semester in my Math class. I am retaking that particular math course this summer because of how badly I did. Now here is my problem;

The class is broken up into two sections. Section 1 is the Math Lecture. The professor introduces us to new mathematical concepts, has us work through a few problems as a class, and then moves on to parallel concepts. Section 2 is the Math Recitation. Recitation is the class broken up into smaller groups where the professor or another math professor goes over the past lessons, asks if we have any parts we don't understand, then gives us the graded assignments. We do homework to help understanding, but the graded assignments are in class. These are either quizzes or group assignments that help test our knowledge of the most recent subjects.

Now my university has a large amount of international students, many who are English as a Second Language students. In Fall Semester my Math class was 80% Asian ASL students, and my Recitation was 75-90% Asian ASL students. Most of the time these students would talk to each other in their first language to help each other better understand the assignments or the lecture. As a person who learned math in French, and then had to do high school math in English, I know how confusing changes in the language of mathematics can be. The issue is group work. Most of the time the group that I would get assigned two would be me and 5 Asian boys. They would then start working on the assignment together, discussing it in their First Language. So I end up sitting there watching them work, having no idea what they are talking about.

Now obviously at this point I know I should point out that I cannot understand them when they are speaking a foreign language, but I just can't bring myself to straight up ask them to speak English. In my mind it just sounds really rude to say. So a lot of times I would just copy what they wrote, because they DID share their work with me during the assignments, but that didn't help with my comprehension. So when the midterm rolled around I had no clue what was going on. A few times I would be in a group with another student who didn't speak the same first language as the majority of the group, and that person would point out that we should all speak English, since that is the common language. The recitation professor had even told the class on several occasions that they need to speak English when doing group work.

So what I'm wondering is how I should confront this situation if this happens during my new math course. I really want to do well in the course, but if I end up being in a group with international students who choose not to speak English I will be in trouble. I just want to find the nicest, most polite way of asking them to speak English when we get assigned to do group work together. I don't want to be harsh or rude to my classmates, I just don't want to end up sitting dumbfounded as they explain N=(P+1) to each other, while I only know the formula and not what it means.

I've tried asking other people I know, but they either give me a very confrontational response or they call me racist before I can even start asking the question properly. So how should I ask my class mates to speak English when we are doing group work so that I am not excluded?

[Cooper]

Well, I like using their own language to ask it. One thing I know in ASL, French, and Spanish is: I know some x. In French and Spanish, I know also: Can you speak English?

In this case, just politely remind them that the group is there for everyone, and by speaking their native language, they may feel more comfortable, but they're leaving you out.

They may not even be doing it intentionally. I knew a foreign exchange student who would lapse into Spanish when she got excited. I would usually go: "Hang on, I can't even hope to understand you when you're speaking Spanish that fast." She'd usually explain in English then.

[Kheldarson]

"Excuse me, I didn't understand. Can you please repeat that?"

Cuz that's the crux of the matter right? You don't understand. So ask in English to reinforce the fact it's a language barrier. And if that doesn't work, talk to the prof.

[Seshat]

I love Kheldarson's solution, and second it.

If the problem continues, discuss it with your professor; perhaps ask if you can be assigned to a group who IS willing to speak English.

[ArcticChicken]

If it happens again, ask the professor to assign you to a group that speaks primarily english. Because everyone will learn better that way. The ESL students will learn the math better if they discuss it in their primary language, and so will you.

[csquared]

Unless group participation is part of the grade (in which case the other members of you groups fail), then your fellow students are under no obligation to assist you.

I second ArcticChicken's advise. It is better for both parties if they can study in their native language.

[Barracuda]

I would simply look at them blankly and say something in French. And I would keep speaking French until they started using English again. But I'm evil that way.

[hinakiba777]

Today my Math Prof told the class that he wants everyone speaking English when they are doing group work so that he can "eavesdrop" and understand if people are having trouble. I was SO RELIEVED!