One of the best skills that an individual could acquire is the ability to speak multiple languages. Following the news of a makcik in Malaysia who is able to speak Japanese, just recently China Press has featured a 69-year-old uncle who can speak 3 languages and 3 dialects!
According to China Press, it appears that this 69-year-old pakcik can speak the following languages/dialects:
- Bahasa Malaysia (Bahasa Melayu)
- Mandarin
- English
- Teo Chew Dialect
- Hokkien Dialect
- Cantonese
He stated during an interview that attending a Chinese school during his formative years is the reason he is fluent in Mandarin!
Love of singing and performing
“There were only 2 of us Malaysians in my class when I was in school. I enjoy singing and performing, so whenever the school has a show, I am always chosen to represent the school.
“While I sang, my teacher would play the piano and compose a tune,” he says.
He had many Chinese friends in elementary school, and they frequently helped him learn different dialects like Hokkien and Teo Chew. His parents attempted to transfer him to a nearby school, but he refused.
Getting picked on?
He said, “But I suppose we were young and innocent back then, and I was often picked on by my own race when I was in a Chinese school.”
Thankfully, his classmates and instructors were very kind and supportive of him, which made his time in primary school much more enjoyable and meaningful.
He was able to practise several dialects during his primary school years, and this ability has helped him a great deal in his profession.
“Knowing several languages was extremely beneficial to me in my profession. After passing my probation, I was immediately promoted as a supervisor when I got my first job,” he recalled.
“I was also given the task of aiding a Taiwanese translation.”
Retirement plans?
Jafar returned to his hometown after retirement, where he began working as a taxi driver. He said driving a taxi was enlightening, and many Chinese executives would nominate him as their designated driver.
According to Jafar, the secret to learning a new language is to practise it with other people. He said he would initiate a mandarin-language chat with a Chinese person to practise.
We’re in awe of your fluency in so many languages, pakcik. Keep it up!
Watch the video here:
Also read: Viral M’sian Cleaner Auntie In KL Mosque Speaks 5 Languages & Was A Tour Guide For 30 Years
