One voice in a multilingual nation

Learning a new language: Vanisha conducting a Mandarin class for students at the gurukulam in Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya.

“WO de ming si jiao Fakhrul,” said the little lad, looking almost fearful. That means “My name is Fakhrul”. With him were a handful of Malay boys and girls, aged from about six to 12.

They were learning Mandarin as their teacher stood there, beaming. Her name? Vanisha Sivalingam.