TRAVEL
I Am Fluent in Cantonese and English, But I Can’t Understand A Word In Malaysia!
What in the world is going on here? I’m completely flabbergasted.
I’m no polyglot, but I am fluent in English, Cantonese and have a relatively good understanding of Mandarin. However, when I go to Malaysia, I sometimes can’t understand a word of conversation! Even if they are speaking English or Cantonese!
It’s so embarrassing.
I remember one time, I went out with my friend and there was a big group of people. We gathered at the restaurant and sat around chatting. I felt really confused at their conversation. I couldn’t make out what they were saying at all! It sounded a bit like Cantonese, but not quite. Then I caught a bit of Mandarin, but then it wasn’t all Mandarin. They spoke and then laughed loudly. I had no idea what they were talking about.
It turns out they were speaking a combination of 6 languages, including Hokkien, Malay, Cantonese, Mandarin, English, and Hakka. And don’t forget about the slang! After a few minutes, I gave up trying to participate in the chat. I just sat there dumbly. One of the folks asked why I didn’t speak or join in the conversation and I could only smile helplessly.
Whenever I go to Malaysia, I get a bit nervous. People speak to me as they normally would, assuming I’d understand. Another time, someone asked if it was my first time in Malaysia in Cantonese. But she used slang words and I was once again dumbfounded. I made up some weird answer and she looked confused, but didn’t ask again. Doh.
At home, I will speak a combination of Cantonese and English, but 6 languages in one conversation is a little too much for me. I can understand it’s convenient to switch between languages though. Some things are better expressed in a certain language.
I wish I could understand more languages, but I’ve only learned a few Malaysian words so far and some Cantonese slang. Sadly, I don’t think I’ll ever get to the stage of being 100% fluent in any other languages.
How many languages do you know? Has anyone ever spoke to you, assuming you know their language? Please share your experience with me in the comments, I’d love to know how you handled the situation!
Travel, eat, and live with intention and happiness ~ Linda
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