Takulandilani revives Malawian culture

Malawi: Takulandilani Language Academy, a local language school, excels in promoting Malawian culture by teaching Chichewa and local culture to expatriates in Lilongwe, writes Priscilla Phiri, MANA.

The Academy, which was founded in 2021, has provided a platform for foreign nationals to learn Malawian culture and language in order to foster mutual understanding and interaction with locals.

Amess Nthala, Founder and Director of Takulandilani Language Academy, stated in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday in Lilongwe that the Academy accommodates students from various countries who learn Chichewa for easy communication during their stay in the country.

“Currently, we have 17 students of which 15 are from the United States, one from UK and the other from Zimbabwe, We have an office in Area 3, at Baptist Guest House. We offer our services at convenient places,” she said.

Nthala emphasized that the Academy follows a Growing Participator Approach (GPA) curriculum, which enables students to learn through observation, listening, participation, and grammar.

“This curriculum was designed by the Baptist Mission and Takulandilani is the only one using it, so the course takes one year for someone to be fluent,” she said.

The Academy, in addition to teaching Chichewa, offers translation and cultural activities, and is currently working with the One Hope organization to translate their books from English to Chichewa.