Communication problem at work ??

Question

i am an asia (no - not chinese) and i joined a new job as an recently .. i like my job, co-workers, boss etc .. my boss used to be pretty happy with my work until recently ... he seems to be picking a lot on my communication skill especially my accent ... i am new to the US and still learning the US accent ... i understand the way they speak and most of my co workers seem to understand what i say .. but this guy has a problem and this has just started recently ... he keeps correcting the way i pronounce things and i seriously dont have a problem with that if he didnt have that annoyed look on his face . if he was being funny or genuine i would totally understand .. but he seems to be more annoyed and irrtated than anything ... and he picks on the silliest of things these days ... i sensed this a few weeks back and i was waiting for him to say something when i went into his office the other day ... i used the erm 'today morning' and he said its not today morning its 'this morning' ..

Answer 1

I would try writing down your thoughts and speak to him about it.  It can be very challenging to learn English with all of its phrases and terms, and he might not be truly understanding your feelings.  Maybe you can explain to him that you really do want to get better with your language skills, and that you appreciate his help.  To be pro-active, maybe ask him if he knows of a way that you can work on it outside of the office.  If he sees that you are trying, my hope is that he will ease up on you.  He seems to be overreacting, and might just need to know that you want to learn and are not being lazy about it.

By writing down what you want to say to him, you might be able to express yourself more clearly.  This will ensure that he understands your challenge and that you are really trying to get better.  If he is still annoyed, then I would consider looking around for another position.

It takes a lot of courage to learn another language and attempt to work at a job where it is needed.  Many of us in the US do not ever do this, and it is admirable.  Don't give up, and show him that you care and want him to know that you are looking for positive reinforcement from him.  

Best to you!

Answer 2

It's tough because this guy is your boss. You can't call him out on it because your job could be in jeopardy. Maybe you can thank him when he corrects you...or ask him if you're pronouncing a word right..maybe he will get the hint that you're trying your best and that he needs to hold back on his commentary.

but I definitely think that he is being rude.

my parents are from Europe but have lived here for over 20 years and still have the accents. People have difficulty understanding them but my parents understand English very well. It's frustrating...especially when the person is putting effort into speaking correctly.

Answer 3

I've been in his shoes.  He's been trying to help himself perhaps.  I have a co-worker at work who likes to use a double negative when he means only one negative.  Language is like math multiplication and division, two negatives makes positive.  3 negatives equals a negative.  Somehow through his influence, his double negatives have transferred to me.  The problem is that I get his use of double negatives when I don't want it.   I may come across it in a thought and the second should be positive which is what I wanted.  Just before finding the mistake I was having a bad time.  I've tried to influence to speak properly to stop my use through his influence.  I've been unsuccessful at it.  He could have been protecting himself to avoid my problem.

Answer 4

Have a closed door meeting with him. Aks him about your performance and things that you need to work on.

I he says to work on your English pronouncitation tell him that you will gldaly do it, but you have been making more mistakes, because he makes you nervous.

He might not even realize that he is doing these to you.Talk it out. If it does not work then use the chain of command.

Best of luck,

Answer 5

You are not over reacting. This is harrassment.

Before you go taking it to that level, try standing up for yourself a little- this man is a bully and I think it's best to try and let him see you aren't going to be his victim.

I bet you could say something like, "I appreciate you trying to help me, and I want you to know I'm really working hard on this, but now it's starting to seem like you're singling me out." By saying "singling me out" he will hopefully read between the lines that you are feeling discriminated against because of your race. No employer wants to deal with that accusation. If he does it a second time, you need to tell him, "OK, I get it. You don't like my accent. I'm sorry we have a problem, but let's try to work together so I don't have to go to HR." (Human resources or whatever is the department that would handle discrimination claims.)

I'm sorry you will have to fight this battle, but a little confrontation now will probably save you a bigger problem in the future. Good luck.

Answer 6

No, you're not over reacting.  It doesn't sound like he's being professional.

You have the right / obligation to request a meeting with your

HR (Human Resources) personnel.  That person will resolve your issue.

Good luck!

Answer 7

sue his ***.