How ironic is it that we can share a town, city or workplace with people every day, yet not be able to greet them in their home language?
Learning even a little of another South African language can start to close that gap. A greeting, a simple introduction or knowing how to ask someone how they are can turn an ordinary encounter into something warmer – and give you a glimpse into another language and culture along the way.
For South Africans who do not speak isiXhosa, learning the language is also a chance to become more familiar with the sounds, expressions and ways of communicating that form part of everyday life around us. And, of course, there is the fun – and occasional awkwardness – of getting your tongue around unfamiliar words and being brave enough to use them.
The Stellenbosch University Language Centre’s 123 online short course is designed for people who would like to do exactly that. No previous knowledge of isiXhosa is required. In fact, the course is specifically for complete beginners, and because it is online, you can join from wherever you are.
Start with the conversations you might actually have
This is a practical language course, so participants do much more than learn lists of vocabulary. The focus is on using isiXhosa in situations that could easily come up outside the classroom.
You will learn how to greet someone and ask about their health, introduce yourself and share basic personal information. You will also practise asking and answering simple questions, interacting socially and using useful everyday language in situations such as being out and about in town.
“You really do start at the beginning, so there is no need to feel that everyone else will know more than you do,” says course designer Bongiwe Dlutu.
“The idea is to get people using the language from the start. You learn, practise, make mistakes, have another go – and gradually those unfamiliar words start to feel much more natural.”
Nobody is expected to emerge from an eight-week beginner course speaking isiXhosa fluently. The aim is much more useful than that: to give participants a functional starting point and enough language to begin a basic conversation, respond appropriately and keep building from there.
The course works with all four language skills, so participants listen, speak, read and write. There is a strong emphasis on authentic and interactive language use rather than simply working through written grammar exercises.
Speaking aloud can be the part that makes a new language feel most intimidating. The interactive format gives participants plenty of opportunities to practise in a friendly, light-hearted learning environment. A phrase that feels impossible in the first week may well be one you are happily using a few weeks later.
Come as a complete beginner
The short course is presented online via Microsoft Teams over eight weeks and is intended for real beginners. It includes 20 hours of online contact time, with a weekly session of two and a half hours, as well as approximately ten hours of self-directed online learning. Participants use the SUNOnline short-course platform for learning material, activities and quizzes.
Reliable access to the internet, Wi-Fi or mobile data is essential.
As an accredited Certificate of Competence short course, isiXhosa 123 does require commitment. Participants must attend the full course and successfully complete at least 80% of the online work to qualify for the certificate.
The next offering runs from 15 September to 24 October 2026, with online classes on Tuesdays from 5.30pm to 8pm. The enrolment and payment deadline is 4 September 2026.
The fee is R4,900 per participant and includes course materials and access to SUNOnline. A place is confirmed once payment has been received, and the course will proceed if the required minimum number of participants has enrolled.
To apply, email Helga Sykstus at az.ca.nus@syubh or phone 021 808 4004. For more information, visit the IsiXhosa 123 online short course page.
