By Priscilla Phiri:
A local language school in Lilongwe, known as Takulandirani Language Academy, is excelling in promoting Malawian culture through teaching Chichewa and the local culture to expatriates.
The Academy, which was established in 2021, has created a platform for foreign nationals to learn the Malawian culture and language for mutual understanding and interaction with the locals.
Takulandirani Language Academy Founder and Director, Amess Nthala told Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Thursday that the Academy accommodates students from different countries who learn Chichewa for easy communication during their stay in the country.
Nthala highlighted that the Academy, which currently has 17 students from the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK) and Zimbabwe, uses a Growing Participator Approach (GPA) curriculum which allows students to learn through observation, listening, participation as well as grammar for a course which takes one year.
She added that, apart from teaching Chichewa, the Academy offers translation and cultural activities and is currently working with One Hope organisation in translating their books from English to Chichewa and has plans to introduce other languages such as Yao, Tumbuka, Swahili and French and open new branches in Mangochi and Mzuzu for expatriates that are interested in learning the local languages.
One of the language students, Josiah Bridgewater, a Missionary at Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM) from USA, said being fluent in Chichewa has helped him in his daily living in the country as he is able to communicate with the locals properly.
Ministry of Tourism Public Relations Officer (PRO), Simon Mvundula applauded the Academy for promoting the Malawian culture to foreign nationals saying the initiative has been embraced by the Ministry.
