In Malaysia, our multicultural society means we’re fluent in both Malay and English, but many of us also have a third language—whether it’s Mandarin, Cantonese, Tamil, or Arabic.
This linguistic diversity is a beautiful reflection of our vibrant heritage, and it’s not uncommon to witness it in everyday life, like at the local mamak.
Photo via TikTok (@mandarinbeginner_tuition)
Recently, a freelance Mandarin tutor took to TikTok to share an interesting experience she had while teaching a class at a mamak restaurant. As her lesson unfolded, a group of curious Malaysians couldn’t help but listen in. Afterward, they approached her with some heartwarming feedback.
"They had been watching me during the class," the tutor shared. When she finished her lesson, one man in the group complimented her by saying, "Your Mandarin is excellent. Who are your students? They speak very good Mandarin too."
With pride, she explained that most of her students were Malay and attended SJKC (Chinese primary schools). "I only teach them basic Mandarin, mainly focusing on reading skills," she added, noting that she works as a freelance tutor.
Her days are filled with teaching Mandarin, not just to her private students but also at a religious school, where she introduces the basics of the language to eager learners.
This encounter highlights the richness of Malaysia’s linguistic tapestry, where different cultures and languages blend seamlessly in everyday life.
