Growing up in the United States, Christopher C always possessed a natural curiosity for languages. In his twenties, he stumbled upon the local Malayali community at his church.
He recollects, “Language became the bridge, but love was the foundation. In learning Malayalam, I found not just words, but with the hearts of the Malayali community.”
He had the benefit of prior experience in languages including Spanish, German, French, Japanese, and others, says Christopher, who works in the med-tech space.
“There are many finer points of the language and culture that were difficult to grasp at first,” Christopher confesses. American candour clashed with nuances of Malayali communication.
Over the years, he confronted frequent challenges, “For me, learning these subtleties wasn’t just an academic exercise; it was a profound process of personal evolution,” he admits.
“Many of my friends are second-generation migrants and are familiar with the struggle of navigating a conversation in Malayalam. So, I thought I’d have fun and make some videos.”
Through his Instagram chronicles, he not only found followers but a global family. “I’m glad that I’ve been able to bond with so many Malayalis and other Indians around the world.”
The digital realm is often filled with competition, comparison, envy, and harassment but Chris aims to be a relatable, sane, and an encouraging presence.