Girl, 6, acts as translator for her deaf parents doing foot spa business

China Daily

9th November 2023

Girl, 6, acts as translator for her deaf parents doing foot spa business

A six-year-old girl has become an enthusiastic business helper in a "silent" foot spa where the owner and all of the employees are hearing-impaired, serving as a sign language translator for customers.

Hu Yunjia, nicknamed Niu Niu, is the daughter of the foot spa owner Hu Yong.

The father Hu, 34, lost his hearing and speech due to a severe fever in his childhood, making it difficult for him to obtain a permanent job. After finishing training in the foot spa and pedicure abilities, Hu started the business in Chengdu, the capital city of Southwest China's Sichuan province, in 2019. Peng Feng, the mother, who is also deaf, works together with her husband at the shop.

Despite its modest size, the shop attracts a steady stream of customers due to the couple's solid skills.

Evenings witness a peak in business at the foot spa, and this is when Niu Niu, finishes school and takes on her role as a sign language translator.

"Madam, how is your day and what help do you need?" "Sir, my dad asked you to take this ointment back home and apply it." Niu Niu delivers her father's message to the customers in her sweet child voice and with rich body language, frequently amusing the guests.

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202311/09/WS654c8891a31090682a5ed5d8.html