Being multilingual is truly Malaysian, say two Indian brothers fluent in four languages

Youngest and eldest of five siblings Sasitaran (left) and Sinotharan often speak Mandarin at home to each other. Photo: Diventhiran Ganesan

In a world where multilingualism is increasingly celebrated, brothers Sinotharan and Sasitaran Ganesan have made language not just a skill, but a way of life.

The Indian siblings from Batu Gajah, Perak, can speak English, Bahasa Malaysia, Tamil and Mandarin – a blend that wonderfully mirrors Malaysia’s multicultural rhythm.

Their story begins in childhood.

“Our mum sent all five of us siblings to Chinese school from preschool right up to secondary,” says Sinotharan, 30, who works in digital marketing. “It was her decision – and one of the best ones she made for us.”

His younger brother Sasitaran, 22, a content creator, agrees. “I started learning Mandarin when I was six or seven. Because all my siblings went through the same syllabus, it was natural for us to speak it to each other at home.”

 

Growing up multilingual

 

Sasitaran and Sinotharan (standing, first and second from right) and their siblings all learnt Mandarin in school. Photo: Diventhiran Ganesan

For the brothers, juggling four languages wasn’t just a classroom exercise, it's daily life.

“At home, I speak Tamil with my parents, and Mandarin with my siblings,” says Sasitaran.

“Outside, I use BM or English depending on who I’m with. It’s just how we Malaysians are – we can mix all the languages in one sentence without a second thought ... like rojak,” he laughs.

Sinotharan recalls the early days of learning Mandarin.

“The first challenge was explaining my Mandarin schoolwork and homework to my parents in Tamil,” he says. “The translation was tough at first. But once we got used to it, speaking Mandarin became second nature.”

Their Chinese school experience also gave them a window into another culture – its humour, idioms and nuances.

“Being able to speak Mandarin made me more adaptable and open,” says Sinotharan. “As an Indian boy fluent in Mandarin, I didn’t just observe Malaysia’s diversity – I lived it.”

 

Bridge to understanding

 

Speaking someone's language instantly creates connection, says Sinotharan. Photo: Diventhiran GanesanFor both brothers, Mandarin is more than a fourth language. It’s a bridge.

“In my line of work, being multilingual is a business advantage,” says Sinotharan, who often switches between English, BM and Mandarin when meeting clients. 

“Some clients prefer to speak Mandarin, and that helps in building trust. It’s not just about language, but understanding their culture and way of thinking.”

He recalls how one client chose his agency over others because of his fluency.

“They said I understood them better – and I think that’s the real power of language.”

For Sasitaran, Mandarin opened new creative doors.

“I’ve been creating content for five years,” he shares. “Initially, I only used English, BM and Tamil. But last year, I decided to include Mandarin in my videos – and the response was overwhelming. People said it was refreshing and unique.”

Both brothers agree that the four tones in Mandarin can trip up even fluent speakers – even for both of them who studied it until Form Five and took it for their SPM exams.

“Sometimes, the tone changes the entire meaning,” says Sinotharan with a grin. “Once, during a client presentation, I mispronounced a word and it made everyone laugh. Thankfully, it turned into a memorable moment instead of a disaster.”

Sasitaran nods knowingly. “Yeah, mispronunciations can be hilarious. But that’s part of learning. I always say, if you want to improve in a language, you have to speak it daily in order not to lose the rhythm.”

 

Modern trends

 

Sasitaran says that being able to speak Mandarin has boosted his reach as a content creator. Photo: Diventhiran GanesanWhen they were younger, the brothers often got surprised reactions from people when they spoke Mandarin.

“Ten years ago, people would stare in surprise or shock,” says Sasitaran.

“Now, it’s just a quick ‘Oh!’ and they continue talking. Polyglots, or people who are fluent in many languages, are normal now, especially among Gen Y and Gen Z.”

Sinotharan agrees. “The younger generation isn’t surprised anymore. In big cities, being multilingual is quite common. But when I go to rural areas, older folks still get amazed. They’ll ask, ‘How come you can speak like that?’ and I’ll tell them – I went to Chinese school!”

Both brothers see multilingualism as part of their Malaysian identity.

“Speaking someone’s language instantly creates connection,” says Sinotharan. “When people see that I made the effort to learn their mother tongue, they open up more. That’s muhibbah in action.”

Sasitaran adds, “Language definitely helps in promoting multiculturalism – but it’s not the only way. You also have to be open to learning about and respecting other cultures, such as joining in their celebrations and learning about their traditions. That’s how mutual respect, understanding and tolerance grows.”

Their perspective reflects a generation that values connection over exclusivity. For these brothers, fluency isn’t just measured in words – it’s in empathy, adaptability and curiosity.

As for future plans, Sinotharan is now learning Korean and Japanese, while Sasitaran continues improving his Mandarin reading and writing through apps like Douyin and Xiaohongsu.

“Speaking is the easy part,” says Sasitaran. “Reading and writing are tougher, but they make you more complete as a learner. And, I’m still learning every day.”

Both brothers credit their mother for setting them on this path.

“She believed that learning another language would be good for our future,” says Sinotharan. “And she was right, it opened a whole new world for us.”

As Malaysia continues to evolve, the Ganesan brothers represent a new kind of multilingual Malaysian – those who can switch seamlessly among BM, Tamil, English and Mandarin, embodying the country’s true multiculturalism.

“Language isn’t just about communication. It’s about connection. When you speak someone’s language, you speak to their heart,” Sinotharan concludes.