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.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Facebook
Dr. Roelof Botha is an acclaimed economist and sought-after keynote speaker known for his exceptional insights into global political and economic trends. With decades of experience analyzing market forces, government policies, and global financial ecosystems, Dr. Botha has established himself as a guiding voice in economics. His presentations are celebrated for their clarity, depth, and […]
Elma Smit – Sports MC is one South Africa’s most versatile media professionals, a young woman who comfortably holds her own in an all-male sporting environment. Elam Smit facilitates everything from intimate conversations, motivational talks at company-level and award shows for national broadcast with grace and ease. She creates custom, conversation-driven content for your event […]
The 1925 Band started in February 2011 and has grown from performing one or two shows a month to one of the most demanded bands in South Africa. 1925 Band are three incredibly talented brothers, Reno, Jeff and David-Lee Gericke, with a passion for music who sings in angelic harmony. They are interesting and gets […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
