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Here we go again! I walk into McDonald's and there are three lines open, but everyone in line is looking upset, anxious and frustrated. The first line was held up because the associate didn't understand what the customer ordered. The second line was held up because the associate and the customer seemed to know each other, and started talking in their native language. The third line was moving slowly because the customer couldn't understand what the associate was saying. All of the scenarios took place because we (U.S.) don't have an English-only policy in the workplace.

It's so uncomfortable to go into a fast food restaurant, and everyone is speaking Spanish. I walk inside and almost forget we are in America, where there is English speaking. The worst feeling is ordering food and having to repeat it three or four times to make sure they get it correct. I really get upset when I get to the counter and there is a lot of joking, laughing and talking, and you can't understand a word they are saying. It's really irritating when they look at you like you're crazy because you can't understand what they are saying.

Global outsourcing of jobs is [the] worst, especially when we are trying to get something fixed, like a computer. Why [is it that] when calls are made to a company for assistance, the prompts lead you to believe if you press "1" for English, you'll get an English-speaking person? Even though the "1" is pressed, a heavy accent person answers the telephone and you can barely understand them. Again, this situation is very frustrating because the representative is trying to explain some information, and you have to strain your ears and keep saying, "Can you repeat that?" The representative's voice is sounding irritated because they are trying to explain, and you keep saying; "Huh?"

These companies need to send their employees to an English class where they can learn the proper English and learn how to converse with Americans.

In one of my college courses, Workplace Diversity, we were asked – how would you feel about two people conversing in their language at work? I am not too keen on other languages being used in the workplace if it's not for business. Is it unprofessional for a couple of co-workers to speak in their native language while others don't understand? I haven't experienced it yet, but I know it would be absolutely irritating to hear two people converse in their language, and I don't understand a word being said.

English only in the workplace would be an effective policy that would protect employees. Other languages should take effect when necessary.

Rachelle Pickens, Greenbelt