A recent video showcasing the linguistic talent of a Sabahan tour guide has captured the hearts of Malaysians, highlighting our nation’s rich tradition of multilingualism and cultural exchange.
Shared widely on Facebook by Percutian Kundasang, a travel agency based in Kota Kinabalu, the video features the tour guide effortlessly conversing in Italian with a pair of Italian tourists. This remarkable display of language skills took place at a local retail store where the guide was helping the tourists navigate the world of pearls.
Photo via Facebook (Percutian Kundasang)
In the video, the Sabahan tour guide not only communicated fluently in Italian but also skillfully assisted the vendors in explaining the nuances of different pearl products, from sea to freshwater pearls, including their prices. His use of expressive Italian hand gestures added a touch of authenticity to the interaction, reflecting the deep appreciation Malaysians have for sharing their culture.
The overlaid text humorously noted, “POV: When customers from Italy can’t speak English,” highlighting how the tour guide’s multilingual abilities made a significant impact.
In the comments, many Malaysians expressed their admiration for his skills, with one local noting that the guide is celebrated not only for his language prowess but also for his singing talent.
This incident underscores how Malaysians, with our diverse linguistic capabilities, continually adapt to and embrace other languages. It’s a testament to our cultural openness and our desire to connect with and share our heritage with others.
