Here's how you can learn Xhosa in 8 weeks

Sara-Jayne Makwala King spoke to UCT African languages lecturer, Dr Tessa Dowling.

Listen to their conversation in the audio clip below.

Have you always wanted to learn Xhosa but felt that it would be too difficult?

Learning an African language might seem intimidating, but Dowling's eight-week online course is presented expertly and entertainingly.

"In my teaching style, it's really easy."

- Dr Tessa Dowling, UCT African languages lecturer

According to data from the 2022 census, Xhosa is the second most spoken language in South Africa.

"It is not the lesser language, it is the language of the majority of South Africans."

- Dr Tessa Dowling, UCT African languages lecturer

Dowling says that some of the reasons people don't learn an African language are because they perceive it to be difficult, they can't do the clicks or they think it is a huge time investment.

"Give yourself small junks to learn everyday - don't overwhelm yourself."

- Dr Tessa Dowling, UCT African languages lecturer

"When I speak in Xhosa to people, there's a level of trust."

- Dr Tessa Dowling, UCT African languages lecturer

Dowling is known for her expertise, enthusiasm, and warm encouragement.

Classes for beginners are from 18 June to 6 August.

Each class is 90 minutes long and it costs R300 a session.

There are no formal assessments, but Dowling will provide constant feedback.

There are also intermediate classes available.

Click here for more information.

"It is an academic course, so they have to do the grammar but within the grammar, I make it relevant to their lives."

- Dr Tessa Dowling, UCT African languages lecturer

Scroll up to listen to the interview.