Colleagues arguing over Hindi use on Zoom call? Viral spoof video takes internet back to 2020

The spoof video showed an argument between colleagues over language used during a Zoom meeting. (Image: rahul_salim/Instagram)

A parody video of an argument ensuing between employees over their team Zoom call meeting has surfaced online, taking the internet back to 2020 when virtual meetings were the norm, thanks to the pandemic induced lockdown. The clip was first shared on Instagram by Rahul Salim and showed several workers deciding their New Year plans over the video call.

In the clip, one of the employees requested the other to speak in English as he and others didn’t understand Hindi. The man proceeded to communicate in English but soon started to talk in Hindi. The others got agitated and soon and argument ensued.

Another worker tried to pacify the situation by adding that he will translate whatever the man was saying. However, everyone started speaking in their own native languages.

Meanwhile, the spoof sparked a flurry of reactions from social media users and most of them were divided.

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Since being shared on Saturday, the clip has clocked in over a million views. While some people supported the man speaking in Hindi, others had different opinions.

“Why can't he speaking English btw, how would it feel if someone from there speak Tamil/Kannada to him,” a user questioned.

Another user commented, “In my 16 years of IT career I never initiated regional language discussion during any team meeting since we know not everyone understands all the language so keep it common. However, I get surprised when the initiation comes for client leaders, does not matter which state they come from, be it Maha or TN or KN or WB or even Delhi the language will he Hindi if they are just all them or even me on the call. I never mind and why should I? So yes these are petty issues there is something called politeness like one of the guy here. Keep the language common so all can understand, ask them before if they are all fine with the language.”

“Inn logon ko Hindi se dikkat hai (All these people have a problem with Hindi),” a third user wrote.

A fourth user remarked, “Language is a tool to exchange your ideas and get things done at work collectively. Stop fighting over such petty issues, especially when you will get a transcript of translation. Also if you can speak or understand English/Hindi do not act that you don’t know the language, instead find ways to communicate in a common language or practice patience & find alternatives to issue of communication. India and the world has so many beautiful communities, languages, cultures and we need to embrace our diversity. Let’s drop US vs THEM identities and embrace this differences to be a force for good to create, innovate, invent and bettering lives.”