‘I teach Mandarin using Tamil’: Tutor finds success with unique approach to language lessons

Sri Devi Mani started offering Mandarin lessons online, after the kindergarten she ran closed during the Covid-19 pandemic. - PHOTO: COURTESY OF MS SRI DEVI MANI

KUALA LUMPUR (The Straits Times): Former bank officer Sri Devi Mani, 41, grew up in Selangor speaking her mother tongue Tamil, and now uses the language to create lessons for her Mandarin tuition classes.

Going by the online moniker Ms Shirley, she uses Tamil words to teach Mandarin, and showcases her fluency on TikTok and Instagram by effortlessly switching between the two languages.