From Flower Shop Novice to Tamil‑Talking Master
Ever wonder how a guy who only knew English could start chatting with customers speaking a completely different language? Meet Xie Dong, the 38‑year‑old street‑flower entrepreneur who turned a linguistic challenge into an unbeatable selling point.
Arrival in Little India – No Tamil, No Problem… yet
- Moved from Anhui Province to Singapore about 14 years ago.
- First job: flower shop in bustling Little India.
- Faced a serious hurdle— no Tamil, only English (and a few generic hand signs).
- At launch he could count to five in English, but Tamil was a mystery.
The “See, Learn, Repeat” Technique
Xie didn’t let language barriers hold him back. He adopted a bold, almost rebellious approach: watch Tamil movies every day with Chinese subtitles. The goal? Catch dialog, mimic rhythms, and eat up new vocabulary like a hungry flower petal.
- Daily ritual: movie marathon + customer practice.
- Neighbors? 80 % were Indian, so he’d have a live audience to test his phrases.
- Progress: From hand gestures to small talk – now he can ask how someone’s day is going.
Support from the “Flores” Squad
His boss added a personal touch, tutoring him in the basics—talking, selling, and even garland-making specialized skills. The result? A smooth transition from rookie to fluent florist.
Customers Love the Roses…and the Accent
Now that Xie speaks the language, he flips from “Happy Tamil New Year” to friendly banter in milliseconds—just the kind of vibe that keeps customers coming back. In fact, many patrons say they’re not buying garlands unless Xie is there.
Side Note: The Chameleon Salesman
Last February, a viral Facebook clip showcased an Indian salesman who effortlessly switched between Chinese dialects while demonstrating a mop. Imagine Xie delivering music-laden offers with equal swagger—we’d call it linguistic multitasking at its finest.
So, when you next stroll past a flower stall, you might hear the sounds of a modern tale—one of resilience, a dash of humor, and the sweet aroma of blooming success.
