Chichewa Paul Douglas Grace Bandawe
A little knowledge of Chichewa goes a long way!
English is the official language in Malawi and people are warm and friendly to visitors. For this reason many people fail to engage with Malawians in their own language or according to social norms in Malawi.
A little knowledge of the language and how society works goes a very long way in Malawi.
The culture in Malawi is 'relational' and the language is a great indicator of that. Understanding something about the language, is the right way to get your relationships off to a good start. Many Malawians are keen to learn about and engage with 'western cultural norms' and so for those reasons are usually reluctant to correct cultural mistakes that visitors may make. The problem with this is that a visitor can seem somewhat 'other' or even rude. While Malawians understand that no offence is intended, over time differences in approach can begin to stretch the patience and endurance of those Malawians you are engaging with.
Often, little problems can build slowly over time only to explode unexpectedly. We can help you start off well and build good relationships over time with our language, culture and translation services.
Language & Cultural services
1. Tuition (from basic to comprehensive)
1.1 Greetings and easy essentials A very little bit of knowledge of the local language goes a lot further in Malawi than in most other countries. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, greetings are disproportionally important in Malawi compared to elsewhere. When you know how to greet people you will transform first impressions and you will find yourself on a much stronger footing than most expats. Secondly, Malawians have exceptionally low expectations regarding what outsiders can say and understand in their language.
1.2 Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced lessons We can take you from an introduction to the languages through to advanced studies. You can join a scheduled class on tailor the tuition according to your own requirements or interests. Group classes, one on one lessons, learning through music, intensive courses, Chichewa for specific purposes (e.g. medical work, church) and combining language with culture can all be arranged. We also can provide lessons in other local languages.
Chichewa Language Course
We have a 10-lesson course that teach the foundamental of the Chichewa Language. The course is delived by a Chichewa language teacher by profession. It comes with 10 videos to help with the pronounciation and practicing and with sets of notes for each lesson.
Here is a sample video lesson and its written notes. The summary of the 10 lessons of the course is here.
If you are interested in taking this course please get in touch with us info[at]esafrican.com
Translation
We can provide translators for most scenarios, locations and languages. Contact us well in advance with your plans.
Mediation services
People from the same culture and speaking the same language can fall out over misunderstandings. How much more is this the case with people from very different backgrounds with different experiences of life and different beliefs – not to mention language and culture barriers? Sometimes the right person with the right presence and personality can overcome these misunderstandings. We have the right people if you find yourself in need of mediation.
