Posting in English today, let Malay take a back seat for once. And an incident in Europe comes to mind:
Last month, my friend and I visited a shop selling winter wear, here in Europe. It turned out that the products were made in China and the ladies manning the shop were Chinese as well.
As they spoke very limited English and we spoke very little of the local language as well, I had to step in and converse in Mandarin and as expected, the shocked look on their faces were gradually replaced with a grin and warm acceptance.
I knew they were really happy to see someone who can speak Mandarin, and is one of them from the great homeland of China but I corrected them by saying “I’m from Malaysia”.
“Ma-lai-sia? she responded. I nodded. Then she quizzed me further – if you are from Malaysia, how come you can speak Mandarin? And I elaborated again…
So as we look-see in her shop, I bantered with her in Mandarin. I must admit that I miss speaking Mandarin, at least my Malay is okay since I communicate with my friend in a mixture of it and English.
The Chinese lady then proceeded to ask me confidently in Mandarin, “Your friend, where is he from?”
After my obvious answer, she responded: Why so dark? Malaysia got dark skinned people like from India?
-.-
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Currently trotting my way through Asia (South East), hence the long period between postings: Writing my novel and trying to relax at the same time.
Meanwhile, to airline enthusiast, check out this cool site: http://www.seatguru.com
Happy weekend! Have a drink, or two =)
