Friday, November 23, 2007

Great things about being Malaysian...

Actually there are a lot of great things about being a Malaysian...

One thing for sure would be our compatibility in terms of language. I believe that many Malaysians can actually converse in at least three language and a few other dialets...

Basic language that Malaysian are able to converse in includes Malay Language, English and Mandarin. There are some who are able to converse in other language such as Japanese language, Tamil, Spanish, Français and even Korean. It is true... really.

Dialets (mostly for Chinese) includes Hokkien, cantonese, Fuzhou, Hakka and Hainanese are all part of a Malaysian life. What is really great about it is that when two Malaysian is talking, they can use two different language/dialet and yet they are able to understand each other correctly.

The other great thing about being a Malaysian in term of language would be the ability to translate two different language in a blink of an eyes.

It happened to one of my uncle one day when he was in a business trip to China. He was at his Chinese friend's office when there another businessman is around. This businessman however is a Westerner and both side has a translator each. But is was funny, as my uncle says, that they are not able to communicate with each other.

The conversation lasted for a while and clearly it is not getting anywhere. So, my uncle interrupted the 'conversation' and help out. Within 5 minutes, everything has been settled. It seems that both the translators are very good with their work on paper only, not in conversation.

After the discussion, the Chinese businessman actually asked my uncle to look for anyone as good as my uncle to work with him.

That is one of the great thing about being a Malaysian. If you have any comments or suggestions, please let me know...

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