Surprising World Leaders by Speaking Their Languages

I recently got the chance to attend APEC 2022 in Bangkok Thailand, attended by major world leaders from 21 different global member economies. YouTube invited me to come interview some of these leaders and I challenged myself to try and speak at least some of each leader’s language. The leaders I spoke with included Tanee Sangrat, Thailand’s new ambassador to the United States, Antony Blinken, the United States Secretary of State, Jerry Sambuaga, the Deputy Trade Minister of Indonesia, and Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, Executive Director of APEC and former Secretary-General of Malaysian Ministry of International Trade and Industry.

With tens of thousands of Thai police and soldiers out in force, security and scheduling for this event was extremely tight so I was very limited in whom I could speak with and what I could ask, but I do think I at least managed to catch some of these leaders off guard and connect with them on a more human level. Here’s a snippet of our conversations and hope you enjoy!

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[jackburkhardt]

*a few years later* “surprising an extraterrestrial civilization by speaking their language”

[BubaruDelete]

Breaking the language barrier is so disarming. These politicians opened right up.

[thatverseguy]

It's nice to see politicians behave like friendly people when their languages are spoken by forgeiners. It goes to show how far you can connect to people when you understand each other a little more.

[frankieslight]

Protect this man at all cost. He's breaking new ceilings for the culture!

[iharry]

I appreciate that Xiaoma didn't just show off his language skill but actually interview the leaders.

[mcheddadi]

the guy speaking french has an impeccable accent in both french and english, like crazy level impeccable. oh wow.

[fakerstreet]

The ambassador hit the nail on the head with that simple comment: "I encourage you, especially at a younger age, to live abroad. You will get to see your country from different perspective." This is so important because I grew up thinking my country was the greatest in the world. Then, as soon as I traveled abroad and lived there for some years, I realized all of it's flaws and really have no desire to go back.

[chikafujiwara]

Ari literally started talkin about massages with the Thai Ambassador and ended getting a massage with him 💀

[sophiaisabelle]

These world leaders are largely influential for all the humanitarian work they do. Somehow you're able to connect with them on a deeper level by speaking their native languages. It paves the way for more perspectives to come into existence.

[fritzgeiger]

I love how you interact with all these world leaders no differently than a bodega owner in NYC. We are all humans that share more commonalities than differences. You the best!

[bpcardella]

I agree with the French speaker, living in another country broadens a person's perceptions. Undoubtedly you were the bright spot in their week. I hope to see more interviews from this summit meeting.

[PyroboySCM]

For real, how many languages does this guy even speak??
Fascinating and inspiring!

[TheSam]

Its SO incredible how quickly you disarm them and get them to open up in a more casual, friendly manner. Both with your languages and personality!

[PhillipReece]

Xiaoma would make a great ambassador! We should foster these international relationships through greater understanding of languages and cultures. Great video! 😁👍

[krish_]

My friend, you’ve got the gift of the common touch both literally and figuratively. You were able to interact with these people as if they were just another stranger you met in one of your other videos, despite however powerful or influential they were. You’ve got an insane superpower, and to watch you harness it with each new upload is a true blessing. Thank you!

[RoyBrush]

This is the first time I've heard Xioma speaking a second language that I actually speak. I have to say, your French is pretty good for someone who probably hasn't put much time into it! I was impressed! :) Your comprehension of his speaking in particular was impressive. Great job, as always, Xioma. Especially considering you probably weren't prepared for him to have French as a second language when you asked that question. :)

[IkennaLanguages]

Dudeee such a cool video. You can see how making the extra effort to speak their language really gets them to open up

[DoubleDsDeliveries]

We worked with an organization that sponsored French students to come to America, live with an American family for a month and get an American experience. I think my family got as much out of it as the French student did at being in America. It definitly helped my daughter with her French and aside from a lasting friendship it fostered a new idea of living abroad that my daughter is very interested in. I only see learning other languages and cultures as a good thing to open the world to everyone. Love this channel and others that show how open and inviting other people and cultures are. We're not as closed off as we think we are.

[jasoncollins]

I could see Xiaoma doing a Hot Ones-style interview show with different languages instead of hot wings. Speaking the native language of these interviewees quickly breaks down any barriers and allows for a more conversational tone right from the jump. Very Sean Evans-eque.

[BMass]

Their little giggle at the beginning of each interview was fantastic. Once they did that it was like they instantly relaxed. Ari you are a fantastic interviewer, in all languages.