“If we learn more languages, it’s beneficial for us, especially when doing business. For instance, knowing an additional language came in handy when I was looking for a job,” said the 37-year-old, who is popularly known as “Nora Laoshi” or Teacher Nora.
Norain, who grew up in Sekinchan, studied in Chinese-medium schools from kindergarten to secondary school, and constantly conversed in Mandarin with her schoolmates and residents of her town.
Her path to becoming Nora Laoshi began with a simple suggestion from her husband’s friend in 2018 that she start tuition classes in Mandarin. This made her realise she could help non-Chinese students who struggled with the language.
She initially held classes at home but transitioned to online teaching during the pandemic. This allowed her to tutor students from as far away as Sarawak, Perak and Negeri Sembilan.
She has even taught Mandarin to one Malaysian living in South America!
Today, Norain teaches over 10 students aged between five and 15. Interestingly, she conducts her classes in cafés.
“It’s more convenient, allowing me to teach even when I’m on the go,” she explained, adding that she picks quieter establishments that offer more conducive learning environments.
She revealed that she used to hold Mandarin classes at a private Al-Quran and Fardu Ain (Kafa) school – a setting where many might not expect the language to be offered.
“I think it’s good as parents don’t have to look for alternative places where their children can learn Mandarin,” she said.
Norain finds deep fulfilment in seeing her students become more fluent in the language under her tutelage.
“For me, the most meaningful thing is guiding those with no prior knowledge of Mandarin to speak, read and master the language well,” she said, adding that she is incredibly proud of her students.
Norain is also bridging cultures through her TikTok account, where she shares engaging lessons on Mandarin vocabulary. To date, she has amassed over 34,000 followers.
Indeed, hearing a non-Chinese person speak fluent Mandarin often sparks curiosity, acting as a conversation starter.
She recalls an instance when, running late, she decided to conduct her class at a mamak shop. A Chinese customer noticed her teaching and complimented her, impressed. Check out that moment here!
Then there was the time she spoke to her older son in Mandarin while they were at a supermarket. “An elderly woman overheard us and asked, ‘Your son speaks Mandarin? You speak Mandarin, too?’
“I felt a bit shy, but I replied yes. She then said, ‘That’s good. Ask him to keep studying’.”
Just as her father had with her, Norain has enrolled her two sons in Chinese schools, believing the experience will give them an edge in the future, particularly in terms of career opportunities.
On why her parents chose to enrol her in a Chinese school, she shared that her father was a contractor who worked with Chinese suppliers and had many Chinese friends. He believed speaking Mandarin would be beneficial for her.
With a smile, she added that whenever her father brought her along to meet his suppliers, they would get a discount when she spoke with them in Mandarin!
“It wasn’t a negative thing: they simply appreciated seeing someone from another race speaking their language, just as we would welcome others to learn ours,” she pointed out.
During Chinese New Year, her father’s suppliers would also invite her family to their homes.
“When we mix with others from different races, it’s fun,” Norain concluded. “Malaysia is a multiracial country, with various cultures and languages. It’s what makes our country interesting and colourful.”
Follow Nora Laoshi on TikTok.
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