A little bit of this, a little bit of that.
What languages do you speak?
I remember my parents telling me that I spoke Malayalam, a South Indian language and my mother tongue, well as a child, but things changed when I started school. Growing up in a small suburb in Selangor, Malaysia, I went to a national school, where all lessons were conducted in Bahasa Melayu (Malay).
While I slowly learnt Malay, my parents wanted me to have a good command of English, so they started speaking to me more in English at home. In time, I became comfortable speaking both English and Malay, with English taking precedence in daily life.
As English and Bahasa Melayu became the languages I spoke most, Malayalam took a back seat. Looking back, I wish I had put more effort into improving my mother tongue, but I never did.
I also speak a smattering of Tamil and un poquito Español – enough to order food, ask for directions, and reminisce about my solo-travel days in Spain.
My most natural speaking language, though, is Manglish, or Malaysian English, an interesting blend of English, Malay, Tamil, and various Chinese dialects.
How has speaking these languages impacted my life?
English has given me the opportunity to see the world, connect with people across the globe, and write professionally.
Bahasa Melayu allows me to connect with fellow Malaysians, regardless of race or background.
Spanish has given me a glimpse into another culture, while Malayalam is a reminder of my ancestral roots that I will always be a part of.
The little Tamil that I know still helps me communicate with the Indian community here in Malaysia.
And Manglish makes me, me.
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