Did you know that learning an indigenous language in South Africa can help build trust and unity, and even boost the economy? Tessa Dowling, in an interview with Jonathan Haller on CCFM, shared her insights on the power of multilingualism.

In a country where English often dominates, speaking a local language – even imperfectly – can go a long way in building strong, respectful relationships. Tessa explains that no matter how poorly you speak it, people appreciate the effort and will want to help you learn. This simple act can break down barriers and create a sense of community.

But the benefits don’t stop there. Learning languages can also benefit South Africa’s economy. Multilingual people can teach others and create job opportunities   while spreading language skills. Plus, people travel to South Africa from all over the world to experience its diverse cultures and languages, contributing to tourism and cultural exchange.

Click on the play button above to listen to the full conversation with Tessa Dowling on CCFM and dive deeper into the power of language.

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