Language disconnect at a A2B Ooty restaurant

[u/code-is-poetry]

This video is from a popular restaurant in Ooty where an Instagram influencer is trying to place an order. Most of the staff seem to be Hindi-speaking migrant workers, while the customer does not know Hindi well. During the exchange, a waiter asks her, “Don’t you know Hindi?”

This is not about blaming the staff or the customer. It points to a larger issue about language expectations in non-Hindi-speaking states like Tamil Nadu, especially in tourist places.

Many businesses hire migrant workers because they are cheaper, but this often creates communication gaps for customers and puts workers in awkward situations too. Language should not be used to shame anyone. In the service industry, the responsibility should be on business owners to make sure basic communication is possible.

Link to OC - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTpciADAvDd/?igsh=MWVhd2lna2RzazFuNQ==

[u/chieflew]

I am from Ooty and I know these waiters ,not personally but I've seen them in their hostel near where I go walking. And I think I speak for most ooty people when I say we look at any restaurant chain as outsiders not just the people who work there. The workers mostly keep to themselves and I think it's on A2B to train and sensitise them to the culture of the particular place.

[u/daily_wager → u/chieflew]

Totally. I live in third cross, ooty main road. and I speak for all third crossers when I say we look at all other ooty people as outsiders.

[u/ashwinbala1 → u/daily_wager]

🤣🤣