Chinese Child Impresses Mzansi After Learning isiZulu From South African Teacher

• A South African teacher in China amazed viewers by teaching a young Chinese child how to speak isiZulu
• The child impressed many with her pronunciation and enthusiasm, showing genuine interest in learning
• The video went viral, and it became a hit online as South Africans celebrated the cultural pride it represented
• Briefly News reached out to Zenani Khuzwayo, an experienced online English teacher and proud Zulu speaker, to share her perspective on the significance of children learning languages across cultures and how it fosters understanding and connection

South Africans were touched by a heartwarming video of a local teacher in China teaching isiZulu to a young Chinese learner, sparking cultural pride online.

TikTok user @nunuluthando posted the now-viral video on 6 August 2025, showing a touching moment between a South African teacher and her young Chinese student. The teacher, currently living and working in China, recorded herself teaching the child isiZulu, one of South Africa’s most widely spoken languages. What caught viewers’ attention was how quickly the young learner picked up the pronunciation and confidently repeated each word. The video, which has received thousands of likes and comments, not only highlights the beauty of language exchange but also showcases how culture can bridge continents.

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The teacher also claimed that isiZulu can be easier for Chinese speakers to learn because of certain shared sound patterns, making it an interesting and accessible language to teach. In the clip, she patiently guides the child through common isiZulu phrases, and the child responds eagerly, mimicking her tone and rhythm. Many viewers appreciated how she represented South African culture abroad, turning a classroom lesson into a moment of unity and pride. The simple interaction became a reminder of how language can create powerful human connections across borders.

Language learning inspires cultural connection

Within a short period, the video posted by user @nunuluthando on a public platform gained thousands of likes and hundreds of comments from social media users who were amazed by the little girl’s progress. The clip spread across different platforms, with many people sharing it as an example of cultural appreciation and educational creativity. For many South Africans, it was refreshing to see their language being celebrated internationally and taught in such a warm, joyful setting.

The comment section was filled with messages of admiration and excitement from South Africans. Many expressed how heartwarming it was to see a South African abroad spreading isiZulu and inspiring others to embrace their culture. Others praised the teacher’s patience and commitment to promoting her roots while connecting with learners from completely different backgrounds.

When a young child from China began learning isiZulu from a South African teacher, it highlighted the power of cross-cultural education and the beauty of connecting through language. Zenani Khuzwayo, a Zulu-speaking online teacher with over five years of experience, explained to Briefly News why learning an African language goes beyond words.

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"As a Zulu-speaking teacher from South Africa, I find it incredibly powerful when a child from a different background learns isiZulu. It’s not just about the words; it’s about entering a world where respect, family, and community are at the heart of everything. Our language carries our way of seeing life. So when a child learns isiZulu, they are also learning about ubuntu, the belief that ‘I am because we are.’ It’s a beautiful way for them to understand that language is more than communication, it’s connection, culture, and identity.”

She also discussed how this type of learning can challenge stereotypes and promote global understanding.

“Cross-cultural learning changes how people see one another. As someone who teaches English online to students from all over the world, I’ve seen how learning another language, whether it’s English or isiZulu, opens minds and hearts. When a child learns an African language, it challenges stereotypes and reminds the world that Africa’s stories, voices, and languages deserve to be heard and celebrated. It builds bridges, replaces assumptions."

Zenani shared advice for parents and educators seeking to encourage children to learn languages outside their own cultural background.

"My biggest advice is to make it joyful. Children should experience a language through its songs, greetings, and stories; that’s where its magic lives. Teachers can bring in cultural elements like traditional games or proverbs, and parents can celebrate every small step their child takes. It’s not about perfection, it’s about curiosity. Every time a child says ‘sawubona’ in isiZulu, they are not just greeting someone, they are practising empathy and seeing the world through someone else’s eyes. That’s the kind of learning that truly changes the world.”

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Here’s what Mzansi had to say

Zolisa Suk said:

“I’m happy you taught him to ask back how someone is doing. My Zulu friends give me a heart attack, they never ask me that!”

Thembi Khumalo commented:

“Sanibona naini lapho, William is so clever. We really appreciate that he knows how to speak isiZulu here in South Africa.”

Dee said:

“You’re such a great teacher, honestly! He’s learning so well.”

Nancy Mangwane commented:

“He must be given a baby blanket already, he’s part of the family now!”

Nomqibelo said:

“You’re going to end up fighting with the parents of those kids you’re teaching isiZulu.”

Mthembeni commented:

“Asina language ayikho lento. (Meaning: There’s no such thing as ‘we don’t have a language’, we all have one.)”

Uyena said

“WeNombuso, sis, are you the one teaching them isiZulu for real?”

Mamiza 259 said:

“William, where’s Jackie Chan now? You’re doing so well!”

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Check out the TikTok video below:

3 Briefly News stories related to Chinese kids

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• Operation Dudula shared a video of police officers discovering a Chinese couple with South African IDs and driver's licences.
• South Africans were interested in seeing some Chinese dancers show off their amapiano moves.

Source: Briefly News