“To bring relevance to people, you have to be able to speak their language effectively.”
Sunday Adelaja, founder and senior pastor of the Embassy of the Blessed Kingdom of God for All Nations
“XIAO Jie” is a seemingly innocuous phrase that holds the power to unlock doors to service and assistance. In Malaysia, it’s a common term — one used to request a refill of Chinese tea or ask for some chilli sauce at a restaurant.
But as I discovered during my recent trip to China, language can play tricks on us. Crossing the border into China, the innocuous “Xiao Jie” transforms into a linguistic landmine. Picture this: I confidently used the same honorific to ask for a glass of water and to my surprise, they stared at me, ignoring my pleas. I tried calling them a few times using the same phrase, but their indifference persisted.
Halfway through, a local lady intervened and stopped me from calling the servers. With a gentle smile, she explained that “Xiao Jie” in China carries a different weight and meaning — it means “prostitute”.
I was utterly speechless and felt embarrassed at the same time. No wonder I had been ignored! As we continued our conversation, the lady kindly suggested alternatives like “Ah Mei” or “Ah Jie”. These are more respectful addresses, carrying both the grace of tradition and the warmth of familiarity. For addressing a married woman, “Ah Sao” is the golden ticket.
You see, language is like a multifaceted gem that reflects our diversity and binds us together. Yet, the same language used can also lead to different interpretations according to the geographical areas. And not to forget, we have different dialects that further complicate a conversation. Indeed, language is so powerful that it can be both a unifier and a divider. It builds bridges, but also erects walls.
So, how do we navigate this linguistic labyrinth without making mistakes like I did? Do we need to master every language and culture in the world? While that might be admirable, it is not always practical. I used to have a very ambitious dream of mastering at least three foreign languages: Korean, Japanese, and French. But, oh boy, mastering even one language is challenging enough, let alone three others. It requires a whole new level of dedication, time, and effort.
Objectively, it may not be realistic to become fluent in every language, but gaining conversational proficiency in multiple languages is definitely within reach. What’s important is that one must approach language with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn as each language weaves a thread into our cultural fabric, connecting us to history and heritage. In short, they are the warp and weft of heritage.
Another piece of advice is to remember the adage: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” By respecting other traditions and cultures, you will gain a deeper understanding of them, helping you instinctively choose the right words to use.
So, the next time you visit China, skip “Xiao Jie” but address the ladies “Ah Jie” or “Ah Mei”. You will be surprised by the warmth and love you receive.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
