Third Language Skills Give Media Practitioners A Distinct Advantage

By Ahmad Erwan Othman

KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 (Bernama) -- In today’s borderless digital era, where AI-powered translation apps are increasingly common, mastery of a third language offers a distinct advantage, especially for media practitioners reporting on complex, cross-cultural issues.

For the writer, who is a journalist at the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and is not ethnically Chinese, proficiency in Mandarin has proven to be a valuable asset.

With over 1.3 billion speakers worldwide, Mandarin is the second most widely spoken language globally, and the ability to communicate in it opens doors to deeper and more nuanced reporting.

The writer received his early education at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Ketari in Bentong, Pahang, growing up in a Chinese-majority environment which helped him build a strong foundation in the language, an advantage that has significantly contributed to his growth as a journalist.

The writer can read, write, and speak both Mandarin and Cantonese, which enables him to understand and adapt them into accurate and contextualised news reports when sources provide documents or statements in Mandarin. 

Fluency in Mandarin has also enhanced the writer’s confidence in high-pressure situations such as press conferences or exclusive interviews, particularly when sources are more comfortable expressing themselves in their native language. It also allows the writer to work independently without relying on AI translation tools.

Nur Natasha Aida Ismail, 38, who attended SJKC Chong Hwa in Setapak, said her proficiency in Mandarin enables her to communicate directly with news sources without relying on a translator.

“There are times when I’m assigned to cover stories involving the Chinese community. When I reveal that I can speak their language, it makes the interview process smoother, even if I occasionally forget certain phrases. They’re more comfortable and open in sharing,” she said.

According to Nur Natasha Aida, fluency in a third language also helps journalists like her better understand cultural context, taboos, and the background of the Chinese community, resulting in more accurate and comprehensive reporting.

“I believe that understanding another culture makes it easier to craft meaningful stories. It’s also a key step in fostering harmony among different communities and supporting national integration through responsible journalism,” she added.

For Bernama’s Malay sub-editor Rafe’aton Md Ali, 54, who is also fluent in Mandarin, speaking the language regularly with Chinese colleagues or Malay colleagues who are also Mandarin speakers is one way to prevent losing fluency over time.

Having served nearly 30 years with Bernama, Rafe’aton said that as an editor and a journalist no longer active in the field, she enjoys editing news and feature articles related to Chinese culture and heritage, adding value and ensuring the reports are accurate and well-rounded.

“This is my passion. When I apply both my childhood experiences growing up with Chinese friends and my professional background as a journalist, the editing of certain stories becomes more impactful, InsyaAllah,” said Rafeaton, who attended primary schooling at SJKC Yuk Chai in Kuala Krai, Kelantan.

Bernama photographer Nur Shazreen Zamzuri, 31, shared that her role goes beyond photography as she also needs to engage with the public, particularly to guide subjects into specific poses or gather supporting information.

Educated at SJKC Batu 14 in Hulu Langat, Selangor until Primary Six, Nur Shazreen, affectionately known as E'en, said that being able to read and write in Mandarin helps her better understand visual cues and written content during assignments.

Meanwhile, Bernama’s Centre of Excellence organised a four-month Mandarin for Beginners course last year, involving 25 participants from various departments across the agency. 

The two-hour weekly course, conducted by Kunkwan Sdn Bhd (International Mandarin Training Centre), enables participants to engage more effectively with Mandarin-language media and broaden their access to news sources.

National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2025 is themed "Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics”, in line with advancements in AI.

The main event, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, will take place on June 14 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. It is expected to draw approximately 1,000 local and foreign media practitioners.

Organised by the Ministry of Communications with Bernama as the implementing agency, the event aims to honour the vital role and contributions of journalists in the nation’s development.

-- BERNAMA