SOTY 2023/24: Linguist (English) second runner-up uses language to empower others
An aspiring polyglot, Jiya Shah says speaking multiple languages has also helped her listen to, understand and lead others in new ways.
Shah Jiya, a Form Six student at Diocesan Girls’ School, is the latest second runner-up in the Linguist (English) category at the Student of the Year Awards. Photo: HandoutAt just 17 years old, Jiya Shah, a Form Six student at Diocesan Girls’ School, is fluent in six languages.
Jiya’s journey began in India with Hindi and Gujarati before she moved to Hong Kong at the age of three, when English became more important.
“English quickly became my primary language of communication, to the point where I now consider it my first language,” she shared.
She was introduced to Cantonese and Mandarin at school.
“Mandarin posed a unique challenge,” she recalled. “The turning point came when I attempted to tell a story during a practice session with a language exchange partner. I misused a character and ended up saying the protagonist ‘exploded with happiness’ – literally. My partner burst out laughing, and I realised how crucial subtlety and precision are in Mandarin.”
Instead of feeling disheartened, Jiya used the experience to adopt new strategies, like flashcards and mnemonic devices, turning mistakes into valuable learning moments.
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Awkward moments were not uncommon. In another instance, she mispronounced a word in Cantonese during a group conversation, accidentally turning “delicious” into “unpleasant.” “The room fell silent before everyone erupted into laughter,” she said.
Rather than retreating in embarrassment, she embraced the moment as a chance to practise openly with friends.
“Their willingness to help and my determination to learn made moments like these less intimidating and more endearing,” she said.
By secondary school, Jiya had added Spanish to her repertoire, drawing on patterns she had begun to recognise across languages.
“Each language I’ve learned has expanded my ability to communicate and my world view,” she said, adding that language learning has also taught her resilience and adaptability.
Her advice for anyone juggling multiple languages is simple: “Embrace consistency over perfection … dedicating 15 minutes daily to each helps reinforce patterns and prevent confusion.”
Jiya’s linguistic aptitude is matched by her leadership roles, particularly as Secretary General of ISMUNHK, the largest Model United Nations conference in Hong Kong.
She is also passionate about community service. Jiya volunteers to teach underprivileged children English through the Firework Project, where she serves as executive director.
“Learning languages has shaped my relationships in profound ways,” Jiya reflected. “It’s allowed me to connect with people I might never have understood otherwise.”
“Being multilingual does not just help me speak to others; it’s helped me listen, understand, and lead in ways I wouldn’t have imagined. It’s taught me patience, the value of persistence, and how to communicate effectively – a skill that translates into leadership.”
In recognition of her linguistic prowess, Jiya was named second runner-up in the Linguist (English) category at the prestigious Student of the Year Awards, organised by the South China Morning Post and solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Looking ahead, Jiya is focused on using language as a tool for advocacy and empowerment. She aims to create inclusive spaces and policies that prioritise linguistic diversity.
“Teaching children to read and watching them grow into confident storytellers has shown me how language can open doors, build bridges, and inspire action,” she said.