Non-English chatter makes situation unpleasant

Dear Annie: I am a nurse, and work in an environment where there is an increasing number of Filipino employees, especially women.
The problem is, these Filipino nurses constantly talk to one another in their native language. When there is downtime, they sit in a group and chat. Many times I am the only non-Filipino in the room and I feel ostracized, like a stranger in my own country. Also, it is exceedingly difficult to concentrate while this language thing is going on. For me, it is not a pretty language. I find myself exhausted listening to it.
At staff meetings, we are told that English is the only language to be spoken in the nurses' station. I would like to politely tell these women that I understand how much easier it is for them to speak in their own language, but it is disturbing to some of us. However, I'm sure if I said that, I would be labeled a racist. And if management is not enforcing the rule to speak English, it won't help to mention it to them, either.
I really do not care what they are saying to each other, but the situation is quite unpleasant. Do you have any suggestions? English Spoken Here
Dear English: Don't you think your reaction is a little bigoted if you object to others speaking their native tongue because it sounds harsh to you? We agree it is rude to carry on a conversation in a foreign language if others are excluded, but that rule applies only to social encounters. People can speak whatever they like if they are talking to each other privately.
If your hospital has an English-only policy, it should be enforced, and your complaints should be directed there. Otherwise, you might try asking these women to teach you a few words of their language so you can show them you are interested in developing a friendship. Can't hurt, and it might alleviate your concerns.
Dear Annie: I'd like to respond to "Always Been Short," who asked how to answer people who commented on his height. My grandfather, who was the shortest of very tall, teasing brothers, had the best comeback. He said, "You measure a man from the neck up." To me, he was a giant. Michigan Woman
Dear Michigan: Well put.
Dear Annie: I have a beautiful daughter who has a lovely family and a great career. The problem is I'm afraid she is becoming an alcoholic. She thinks she has a high tolerance for alcohol and that it's OK. Would you please list the signs? Worried
Dear Worried: Here they are, from Alcoholics Anonymous:
Have you ever decided to stop drinking for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?
Do you wish people would mind their own business about your drinking -- stop telling you what to do?
Have you ever switched from one kind of drink to another in the hope that this would keep you from getting drunk?
Have you had to have an eye-opener upon awakening during the past year?
Do you envy people who can drink without getting into trouble?
Have you had problems connected with drinking during the past year?
Has your drinking caused trouble at home?
Do you ever try to get "extra" drinks at a party because you do not get enough?
Do you tell yourself you can stop drinking any time you want to, even though you keep getting drunk when you don't mean to?
Have you missed days of work or school because of drinking?
Do you have "blackouts"?
Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not drink?
Did you answer "yes" four or more times? If so, you are probably in trouble with alcohol.
& copy;The A.A. Grapevine Inc.
(Reprinted from the pamphlet "Is A.A. for You?" with permission of A.A. World Services Inc. Permission to reprint this material does not mean that AAWS has reviewed and/or endorses this publication.)
Creators Syndicate
Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.