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.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Facebook
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Ferial Haffajee is a South African editor and journalist. She is currently editor-at-large, Huffington Post SA and also editor of the African National Centers for Investigative Reporting (ANCIR) and is a researcher at the Public Affairs Research Institute. Previously, Ferial was editor-in-chief at the Mail and Guardian and City Press. She is a regular analyst […]
Brett StClair is a trailblazer in the world of digital transformation and innovation, renowned for his expertise in cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and data-driven strategies. As the CEO and co-founder of Teraflow, a cutting-edge technology company specializing in AI and cloud solutions, Brett has revolutionized how businesses approach digital transformation. His dynamic approach and […]
Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp is an award-winning radio presenter as well as the founder and presenter of SA’s #1 parenting podcast. Further celebrated as a TV, Film, commercial and stage performer, Elana is undoubtedly one of the country’s leading broadcasters and is the recipient of a 2022 Presidential PRISM Award for Radio Presenter of the Year. A […]
Sthembiso Phakathi is a distinguished advisor and keynote speaker specializing in organizational transformation. With over two decades of expertise, he has successfully guided organizations through the complexities of business performance, strategic leadership, and transformative growth. Recognized for his ability to inspire and equip leaders with actionable strategies, Sthembiso’s insights resonate deeply in today’s dynamic corporate […]
Quinton Pretorius is a dynamic and inspiring speaker who lives and breathes diversity. With an exceptional ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life, Quinton shares a powerful message of resilience, unity, and transformation. His personal journey is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity, making him a sought-after speaker […]
Born in Diepkloof Soweto, but raised in Sandton, Mum-Z – Conference Comedian has a style of comedy that can be universally appreciated drawing most of his content from his personal experiences for your Corporate event His career started with presenting on the SABC 2 teenage continuity programme ‘Kidz Can’ in 1997, he then delved in script […]
With close to 30 years in keynote speaking and consulting, Grant Driver has made a significant mark on workplace culture and employee engagement. His deep understanding of organizational dynamics, coupled with extensive experience in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), has positioned him as an authority in optimizing workplace environments. His approach combines neuroscience-backed insights with practical techniques, […]
Pete actively works to build respect for his profession as chairperson of the Western Cape Chapter of the South African Chefs Association and lecturing in Operational Management at the Institute of Culinary Arts in Stellenbosch. MasterChef SA Judge Pete Goffe-Wood is a self-styled food alchemist and when he’s not on the set of the runaway […]
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
