Language used in zone common channel (EU server)

Vanzen · July 2014

Recently on the EU server I ve noticed more and more people speaking German on the common channel in populated area.
And its growing everyday.
Its becoming confusing to follow whats going on.
I have nothing against our German friends, but I know they have their own channel; so i d like to know why they are using the common channel to speak in German.
Is there a rule about what language to use ? Is there a policy ? If there is, Zenimax would be inspired to remind us what it is, cause its getting out of hands realy fast.
I am French and never I would speak in French on the common channel.
Just imagine what would happen if everyone started speaking their native language : spanish, italian, danish, russian etc etc etc, what a mess it would be ...
100 years ago, french dominated and it was the language used by everyone, today, like it or not its english, I respect this rule, and I would be gratefull if everyone was doing the same.
Of course it can happen when someone who doesnt speak english and is a bit lost to cry for help in his language

Once again, I have nothing against our german friends and am sure they will understand the problem it might cause.

DenverRalphy · July 2014

Their /Z zone channel is the same as yours. Are you stating that German/non-English speakers are just supposed to ignore the public/zone channels?

Sangeet · July 2014

I beg the german talkers to speak english as often as possible, there is no excuse in 2014 EU to not talk english. (German native myself.)
Its by far the most easy language to learn. Pickup some books and start to read in a different language, use a dictionary, after 50% of the book you get the most meanings, after the 3rd book you know the vocabulary.
I made some evening schools to learn spanish and norwegian, i think everyone should do it, and get involved with our friends from over the border.

Awdwyn · July 2014

Thing is though, English has its own zone channel too (at least it does on NA, please correct me if I'm mistaken on the EU server). By that regard, should English be kept out of the common channel?

I don't think there's a rule about language in the common channel (I would say there should be on the language specific ones), so if I see someone posting in a language I don't understand in the common one, well .. c'est la vie, no? I do agree that if there is a policy in place, it would be great to know what that is, because I've not seen a mention of it either. Perhaps the German players don't realize they have a language specific channel, though I can't offhand think of a way to inform them of that fact without coming across as condescending or impolite.

DenverRalphy · July 2014

Sangeet wrote: »

I beg the german talkers to speak english as often as possible, there is no excuse in 2014 EU to not talk english. (German native.)
I made some evening schools to learn spanish and norwegian, i think everyone should do it, and get involved with our friends from over the border.

Personally, I think everyone should be multilingual. But at the same time, when you're relaxing (ie.. playing a game), there should be no expectation to enforce it.

lecarcajou_ESO · July 2014

Vanzen wrote: »

Once again, I have nothing against our german friends and am sure they will understand the problem it might cause.

No doubt they will, as they probably speak excellent English. Well, you all know the old joke... "What do you call a person who only speaks one language?"

Sangeet · July 2014

I watch english movies /read books to relax, i travel to foreign countrys to relax, and meet people,i think it realaxes the atmosphere quiete a bit, if everyone is on the same page.

freespirit · July 2014

DenverRalphy wrote: »

Their /Z zone channel is the same as yours. Are you stating that German/non-English speakers are just supposed to ignore the public/zone channels?

That does appear to be the case, however I have a question, OP at what times of day are you seeing this trend?

I may have already mentioned that I spend entirely too many hours playing this game everyday

......

Are languages other than English used in /zone chat on the EU?...

Yes all the time.....

Is it always German?......

Not at all, I've seen Russian, Polish, French, Italian but in my experience English is by far the most common language used and if it wasn't does it really impact your playing experience that much?

Vanzen · July 2014

German speaking people are the only non speaking english people at the moment extensively using their language in the public channel, the french who have a dedicated channel dont do it, nor any other non english speaking people, or really rarely ...
And knowing how germans are usually really good at speaking english I furthemore dont understand why they do this.
Once again, what would happen if everyone was starting to speak his own langage. We need a common language to interact all together on a common channel, and its commonly accepted that english is the easiest language to do it.

DenverRalphy · July 2014

There's one aspect here that should be mentioned...

Should English speakers expect non-English speakers to conform to their personal standards, or should English speakers take more initiative to understand other languages? Personally, I think it's a bit arrogant on the English speaking community to expect conformity.

[edit] I should probably mention that while I'm only fluent in English/Spanish, when I see French/German I understand a passing amount to understand what is generally being said. So I welcome it as it progresses my overall understanding.

Audigy · July 2014

Its a matter of respect to speak English in public, no matter if its in the game or in RL.

English is what most people will understand. I cant stand people that talk in their own language at all times even though they know its difficult for the receiving end to understand.

I speak a few languages myself and always pick the one that people around me will understand. Even if its just one person who doesn't speak it, I will pick one which he or she does and this is in most cases English.

Germans and also the French are a bit "strange" there. They simply refuse to learn other languages, due their strong national will. While I understand that patriotism is something a few cultures value a lot, its making life difficult for others.

And before people flame me, no I am not a native English speaking person

lecarcajou_ESO · July 2014

Audigy wrote: »

Its a matter of respect to speak English in public, no matter if its in the game or in RL.

English is what most people will understand. I cant stand people that talk in their own language at all times even though they know its difficult for the receiving end to understand.

I speak a few languages myself and always pick the one that people around me will understand. Even if its just one person who doesn't speak it, I will pick one which he or she does and this is in most cases English.

Germans and also the French are a bit "strange" there. They simply refuse to learn other languages, due their strong national will. While I understand that patriotism is something a few cultures value a lot, its making life difficult for others.

And before people flame me, no I am not a native English speaking person

I agree as far as RL social situations are concerned; to consistently exclude some of those present from conversation by refusing to use the language that allows everyone to participate is just rude. I wouldn't do it—and I know very few of my German compatriots who would not accord others the same courtesy (besides, we use too much English as it is, but that's another topic altogether). But in a game chat, which is a bit different from face-to-face interactions, I think it's okay to assume that those who don't understand what you're typing will not so much feel "excluded" as they will simply ignore you. I don't see where the chafing comes in.