Jana Quejano, USJ Student
“Ngoh m sik gong Guangdong wa” is the only thing I can say perfectly in Cantonese, which translates to “I do not speak Cantonese”. One day I hope I can say something more than that. Every day in our lives, we communicate with people, whether they are someone we know or not. But it must be difficult to fathom moving to a place where the language is different, to attend a school where students and teachers have different nationalities and so on.
Although I have never left Macau, I do not speak the language fluently. I used to know more when I was a kid but as I grew older and continued living with parents who do not speak Cantonese themselves. It got me used to speaking our own language until I lost my motivation to learn. Then I also met friends who are comfortable speaking in English.
I tried for years to learn Cantonese. I understand a few words and phrases, but most of the time I just try to decipher what people are saying. Days were easier during high school because the majority of my friends were locals and they never stopped telling me to learn the language because we all knew learning it is an asset for someone who wants to stay in Macau, but it is just one of the toughest languages to learn.
Some of the hardest situations you can put yourself in is when you’re all by yourself while going around Macau, such as when trying to take a taxi but you just can’t pronounce your next destination, attempting to take the bus but you are probably at the wrong bus stop, buying fresh produce in a local market or just trying out classic restaurants for their traditional food but there is no English menu. It might also be paying a lot for a full body check-up in a hospital but end up not receiving full diagnostics since doctors here hardly speak English. These are all based on my personal experiences.
However, there are still a lot of friendly locals who are willing to help a stranger. I met a few who would really made an effort to speak in English. One time I got lost and there was a lady who I asked for directions. Although her English wasn’t great, she tried her best to show me the way. I admit this a daily struggle but this is what I like about Macau: It’s challenging but it keeps me going. I learn a lot about myself every day and the beauty of this place. I am amazed with the city’s diversity and what it can offer. I am just grateful for my local friends as the language barrier has never been an issue. In fact, it’s one of the reasons why we all became friends; our differences brought us closer.
I am a Filipina by blood, but Macau is my home, this is where I was born, this is where my heart wants to stay, this is my city where my family and friends are. Time will come I will be fluent. I will finish university feeling like a local, trying new dishes at my favourite restaurants. I want to be able to order food from a “cha chaan teng” without using Google translate. Saying more than just hello to my neighbours and being able to walk around Macau because this time, I will be the one helping others with their direction.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
