Actress, Film&Television Certificate. Audio communication Certificate, Voice Over Artist,Script interpreter, I have experience of +20years.

Find out more about Andy

• Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn it?

  Yes. I speak IsiZulu because of my origin.

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  Shaka Zulu - OUR Heroical, Historical Zulu King.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behaviour in the language that you particularly like?

  Yes. There is a beautiful phrase that says "Induku enhle igawula ezizweni"
  Figuratively meaning the best things or people, great leaders or a beautiful bride, often come from outside one's own clan or community.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Because it is my identity, and mostly Zulu is the dominant vernacular in South Africa.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language, and what can help students with the learning process?

  It is the clicking sounds of the tongue from certain words, eg., Iqanda-an egg, ixoxo-a frog; however, I make it interesting, using my acting skills to help my students get it easily.

• Could you share an anecdote related to your language learning or your student days?

  One of my students thought Zulu people were "too nosy" because we always ask about family when we greet.
  
  I told them that, culturally, in Zulu, we are a caring and respectful nation /people.
  And in Zulu, you don't exist alone.
  Ubuntu- humanity- is the priority.
  Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu=A person is a person because of others.
  
  So asking "how's is your family?" (unjani umndeni wakho? ) comes from a good place.
  It is saying "I see your entire world, not just you."
  
  Thereon, my students started greeting me and others with this warmth😊.
  
  Sawubona, unjani?
  Unjani umndeni wakho?
  
  Greetings, how are you?
  How is your family?

• How has travel or a specific experience helped you to increase your understanding and appreciation of the language?

  Travel taught me that isiZulu is a highly appreciated language, no matter which province in South Africa.
  
  Greetings in Zulu are of the utmost importance.
  Sanibonani-greeting a group.
  You greet out of respect 🙏
  You greet people you don't know along the street.
  IsiZulu is a warm and friendly language.
  
  When traveling in other provinces, I learn how people are always eager to speak Zulu 😊. And at times they mispronounce other words; I then kindly correct them with a warm smile.
  I tell them, "ungakhathazeki, ngizokufundisa" = Don't worry, I will teach you.
  Most importantly, I emphasize that Zulu is spoken with your whole body and with great respect.
  Words carry culture. A handshake also shows a sign of respect, and not looking elders directly in the eyes when talking to them.

• What makes you a Superprof?

  I am a Superprof for these reasons :
  
  >I'm patient and have no judgment zone,
  I meet my students where they are. Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
  
  >I relate with all ages, learners who are at primary, secondary, and high school.
  And all my students get A-plus results in Zulu🤗 . As well as adult learners who take Zulu lessons for conversational, family/ culture, and academic reasons.
  
  >I am practical, and I'm definitely a Superprof. I help you feel confident enough to walk into a room, say Sawubona properly, and get a smile back. 😊🤗