“Bring Him Home”: Chinese Learner Asks Teacher to Teach Him Setswana, SA Impressed
- A South African teacher working in China filmed a heartwarming exchange in which his young learner enthusiastically requested a lesson in the Setswana language
- The delightful clip was shared on TikTok and gained massive views and comments from an online community that was charmed by the moving request
- Social media users were impressed by the boy’s cultural curiosity, jokingly saying he was ready to come to Mzansi to get his South African identity document (ID)
- Briefly News writer Gloria Masia spoke to Zethu Mcukama, a teacher, who shared her insight on why moments like this touch so many South Africans
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
Source: TikTok
A touching moment of cultural exchange between a South African teacher and his young Chinese learner went viral.
The clip, shared on TikTok by @skillzz_5, also known as Teacher Donald, highlighted the sweet curiosity of children towards new languages, attracting massive views and comments from viewers who loved the boy’s inquisitiveness.
The video was filmed on a moving bus, where the young learner is sitting across from the teacher. The boy initiates the lesson, expressing his sincere desire to learn the teacher’s language. Teacher Donald did not hesitate, immediately teaching the boy the Setswana greeting, “Dumela.” The attentive learner repeated the word perfectly. The boy then asked for the meaning, and the teacher explained that it meant hello.
The Chinese pupil learns Setswana
The lesson continued while the bus cruised, with the teacher teaching him the response, “Ke sharp,” which means “I’m okay.” When the teacher, TikTok user @skillzz_5, asked the young learner why he was interested in learning, the boy replied that he wanted to tell his dad. Teacher Donald reminded the little boy to greet him with “Dumela, Mr Donald” every morning, or the more informal, “Eita,” before they exchanged a fist bump.
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Source: TikTok
Mzansi loves the inquisitive boy
The clip garnered 497K views, 71K likes, and nearly 1K comments from entertained social media users, who loved the young boy. Many viewers were impressed by the little boy's keen interest in learning other languages, calling him smart. Some joked, saying the teacher should bring him with on his next visit home as he would be fluent in Setswana. Others were simply charmed by the heartwarming interaction, calling the teacher “blessed” for experiencing such a genuine cultural connection while working abroad.
Zethu told Briefly News writer Gloria Masia that seeing a child from a completely different cultural background speak a local language is far deeper than language; it’s emotional, symbolic, and powerful.
She said:
"It’s honestly so beautiful to see. When a child from a completely different background learns an African language like isiZulu, it’s not just about words; it’s about heart. Our languages carry warmth, history, rhythm, and spirit; it shows that our languages deserve to travel and be celebrated beyond where they were born."
She explained that a Chinese child speaking a South African language breaks cultural assumptions and shows that languages can be bridges rather than barriers. She said:
"When a baby from China can speak a South African vernac langauge, it flips the script, it shows that culture isn’t a barrier, it’s a bridge. Small moments like this ripple outward. People feel connected, and global understanding grows naturally from videos like these. Honestly, it’s a reminder that if a baby can do it, we all can."
Zethu also offered advice for parents and teachers who want to introduce children to new languages in a meaningful way. She said:
"Make it fun, curious, and full of stories. Songs, games, and stories help kids think differently and build confidence. Show them the culture behind the words, the music, the traditions, and the people. When kids connect on that level, they learn empathy and open-mindedness naturally."
She added that adults must lead by example. She said:
"If children see adults excited about exploring another culture, they’ll want to do the same. Children who learn languages outside their own culture grow into people who understand and connect across the world. Such wholesome videos are proof that love and curiosity can bridge any cultural gap."
User @Siyambonga Dlodlongw said:
"He's smart ❤."
User @Uyena-yedwauBolt shared:
"The fact that he was the one who asked to be taught makes it more special ❤️."
User @mahlodi joked:
"That's it. His ID is ready, 😂 bring him home🇿🇦."
User @userxyz01235 asked:
"Are all Asian kids fast learners, or is it just this kid?"
User @Girl of Now said:
"He is so serious about learning your language, hle😅."
User @Mo_Tswana commented:
"Man, I miss teaching Chinese kids, especially the ones that are genuinely curious about you 😂. I had one kid named “Captain”, he used to say “eita ola” every morning when he saw me, and he thought it meant good morning in Setswana."
Watch the TikTok video below:
3 Briefly News articles about kids
- Chinese kindergarten kids were filmed learning practical skills such as sewing, knitting, making pottery, and ironing, and local online users wished the same for African schools, too.
- A South African woman working as a teacher in China shared a viral video of an interaction with her young learner, who she was teaching to say thank you, leaving viewers entertained.
- An educator from Mzansi teaching in China turned his class into a Kaizer Chiefs celebration with a lesson on football rivalry after his team beat Orlando Pirates.
Source: Briefly News
