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A 53-year-old shoe-shining auntie from Yiwu has captured the hearts of millions after a video showcasing her confident multilingual skills went viral on social media. The video, uploaded by the “Love Yiwu” media platform on November 22, has amassed nearly 18 million views, sparking heated discussions online and earning admiration from viewers worldwide.
In the viral video, the shoe-shiner, identified as Hu Genlan from Jiangxi province, is seen confidently conversing with foreign customers in Arabic and English. Despite her English being grammatically imperfect and laced with a heavy accent, her unique and spirited way of communicating left her international customers amused and impressed. Many foreign patrons even voluntarily tipped her extra, commending her for her humor and warm personality.
"When she speaks, it’s like she’s singing," commented one amused netizen. Another noted, “Her bright smile, paired with her accented English, is simply adorable!”
Hu’s path to becoming a multilingual sensation was anything but conventional. Originally from Yingtan, Jiangxi, Hu moved to Yiwu - a city renowned for its bustling international trade scene - where the large influx of foreign visitors motivated her to start learning new languages.
“When I first arrived, I didn’t know a word of English,” Hu shared. “But there were so many foreigners here. To communicate better, I started picking up words while shining shoes. I would listen closely to what foreigners said, remember their words, and practice them later. For instance, when someone said ‘water,’ I learned it meant water. When they said ‘fifty,’ I remembered it meant fifty yuan.”
Through years of determination and self-teaching, Hu gradually expanded her vocabulary. Now, not only can she engage in casual conversations with foreign customers, but she also understands their needs with remarkable accuracy.
“She’s amazing! The way she speaks is so charming, and we can easily understand her,” said one foreign customer interviewed in the video.
Over time, Hu has built a loyal clientele, with many customers dropping by as much for her company as for her services. Her multilingual repertoire now includes Arabic, English, and even some Spanish, which she learned in a similar self-taught fashion.
“I have many foreign friends now,” Hu said with a proud smile. “We’re all friends! Whether I make mistakes or not, it doesn’t matter. What’s important is to be happy and confident while communicating.”
The video of Hu’s cheerful exchanges with her customers struck a chord with netizens across China. Many were inspired by her enthusiasm for learning and her infectious confidence.
“Hu’s story shows us that age and education level don’t matter as much as a positive attitude and willingness to learn,” one commenter wrote.
Another added, “She’s an icon of determination and optimism. Her story makes me want to try learning a new skill, too.”
Even foreigners chimed in online to express their admiration for Hu. “She brings joy to everyone around her,” said one international commenter.
Hu herself was taken by surprise at the overwhelming response to her story. “I never imagined my little efforts to communicate would gain so much attention,” she admitted.
Her newfound fame, however, has only encouraged her to keep learning and inspiring others. She hopes her story can motivate people to step out of their comfort zones and embrace communication with confidence.
“My message to everyone is simple,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. As long as you’re happy, you’re doing it right!”
The video’s popularity sparked a wave of reactions online, with netizens celebrating Hu’s cheerful demeanor and unwavering determination:
“Her confidence and humor make her a true gem!”
“I admire her passion for learning languages despite not having formal education. She’s proof that it’s never too late to learn something new.”
“Her ability to bring a smile to people’s faces, no matter where they’re from, is inspiring. The world needs more people like her.”
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