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Dr Tessa Dowling has been described by a leading language academic as ‘both erudite and hilarious’. She holds a PhD in African languages from the University of Cape Town, where she currently lectures. She has received a provincial award for promoting multilingualism and has taught many luminaries, including Helen Zille, to speak Xhosa, Mandela’s mother […]
Dr Tessa Dowling has been described by a leading language academic as ‘both erudite and hilarious’.
She holds a PhD in African languages from the University of Cape Town, where she currently lectures. She has received a provincial award for promoting multilingualism and has taught many luminaries, including Helen Zille, to speak Xhosa, Mandela’s mother tongue.
She has written textbooks for the learning of African languages, as well as English, and is frequently called upon by the media to comment on issues relating to African languages.
She writes serious (prize-winning) academic articles and lighter humorous pieces on African languages and is a popular speaker at conferences.
Having begun her study of Xhosa at the age of twenty-five, Tessa is living proof that an English-speaking South African adult can master an African language.
Senior lecturer in African languages at UCT’s School of Languages and Literature, Dr Tessa Dowling says people still get surprised by how she speaks isiXhosa fluently.
She believes it would make a huge difference if white people in South Africa would make an effort to learn more African languages.
I think that would show respect. It would make our knowledge system greater because the knowledge embedded in African languages is just not revealed. The creativity and the humour in the language sometimes just blow me away and I think if people learn those languages they would find in themselves different personalities.
Dowling says by learning other languages people could help stave off dementia.
Research has also shown that if you learn another language you are less likely to get dementia.
— Dr Tessa Dowling, Senior lecturer at UCT’s School of Languages and Literature
Dr Tessa Dowling – Diversity Language special skill is her ability to teach delegates the basics of the language in 45 minutes. Yes, 45 minutes! Not only educational, this talk is motivational and indeed, a perfect accompaniment to any team building function.
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Kurdt Greenwood is a young, dynamic naturalist, conservationist, survival expert, and animal behavior specialist with a passion for wildlife that knows no bounds. From an early age, Kurdt has been captivated by the natural world, particularly the most dangerous and deadly creatures that inhabit it. His enthusiasm for wildlife is infectious, leaving audiences both terrified […]
Stafford Masie is a computer scientist who has been involved in the IT industry for more than 25 years. He has been closely involved in such pre-eminent ICT companies as Telkom, Dimension Data, Novell and Google. His passion for technology led to him being appointed to senior executive positions at Novell USA (based in Utah for 7 years) […]
Shelley Walters is a globally recognized expert in sales enablement, a dynamic keynote speaker, and the founder of The Sales Counsel, a boutique Sales Enablement Solutions company based in Johannesburg, South Africa. With over two decades of experience in sales leadership, business development, and training, Shelley has dedicated her career to transforming the way individuals […]
Captain Londy Ngcobo is a distinguished figure in the maritime industry, acclaimed as a Global Ship Navigator and Africa’s First Female Dredge Master. Her unwavering passion for unlocking Africa’s oceanic potential has defined her illustrious career spanning over 13 years. With a robust educational background in Maritime Studies and extensive experience in International Merchant shipping, […]
Dr. Jacques Ludik is a visionary leader in the field of artificial intelligence, renowned for his innovative contributions and entrepreneurial spirit. As the founder of multiple AI companies, an award-winning AI leader, and a prolific author, Dr. Ludik has established himself as a pivotal figure in the advancement of smart technology. With a Ph.D. in […]
Maya Fisher-French is a celebrated keynote speaker, author, and financial journalist renowned for her deep insights into personal finance and economic trends. As the face behind South Africa’s leading finance column, Maya on Money, she has spent over two decades demystifying complex financial topics, empowering individuals, and helping organizations navigate the economic landscape with clarity […]
Bryan Habana, a name synonymous with excellence in the world of rugby, is a legendary South African rugby player and one of the most electrifying athletes to grace the sport. Renowned for his blistering speed, strategic gameplay, and unparalleled determination, Habana has etched his name in history as one of the greatest wingers of all […]
Alistair Mokoena is a trailblazing leader and a prominent figure in South Africa’s business and digital transformation landscape. As the Country Director for Google South Africa, he drives innovation and technological progress across industries, empowering businesses to harness the power of digital solutions. A seasoned expert in leadership, strategy, and digital transformation, Alistair is a […]
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