“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”

Nelson Mandela

 

There are many good reasons why it is worth learning Changana. Here are just a few:

The power of language

In my own experience I can say that Mandela’s quote is so true. Try out a few Changana words when speaking to locals and you will be amazed how the power of language will transform the person in front of you. I’ll give you a money-back guarantee on that one.

Show respect

There is no better way of respecting and valuing another culture than (trying) to speak their language. This is true whether you speak the language fluently or only know a few words. 

Getting yourself out of trouble

There are lot of traffic police in and around Maputo. Paying bribes to get yourself out of trouble is old school.  A modern global citizen has some “police vocabulary” at hand:

⇒ “Ni dzivaleli, ni dzivaleli, ni dzivaleli” – I am sorry, I am sorry, I am sorry!
⇒ “Hi lweyia anga ha tsutsumissa!” – It was that guy who was speeding!
⇒ “Nsati wa mina wa vabza. Ni fanela ku tsutsumela kaya!” – My wife is sick. I have to rush home!