“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.”
Image credits: John Mathew Smith 2001,”From Wash D.C. Longworth building October 4, 1994. Mandela’s first trip to the United States.”,CC BY-SA 2.0,Nelson Mandela 1994 – Nelson Mandela – Wikipedia
- July 18, 1918 – December 5, 2013
- Born in South Africa
- Politician, lawyer
- The first black president of South Africa, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for abolishing apartheid and building a democratic South Africa where multiple ethnic groups coexist.
Quote
“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.”
Explanation
In this quote, Nelson Mandela highlights the profound power of language in communication and its emotional impact. While speaking to someone in a language they understand may convey information to the intellect, speaking to them in their native tongue connects with their heart and emotions. Mandela understood that language is not merely a tool for exchanging words, but a deeply personal and cultural expression that can foster a sense of belonging and identity. For him, speaking to people in their own language was a way of showing respect for their culture and reinforcing the dignity of their people. This approach is particularly significant in a multicultural and multilingual country like South Africa, where language plays a central role in nation-building and social cohesion.
Mandela’s leadership was marked by his efforts to embrace diversity and foster unity among South Africa’s many ethnic and linguistic groups. In his presidency, he often spoke in multiple languages and encouraged others to do the same, recognizing that language is a bridge between people. By using someone’s mother tongue, Mandela was able to make a deeper emotional connection and create a sense of shared humanity. This was a critical aspect of his approach to reconciliation after the fall of apartheid, where he sought to unite a deeply divided nation through gestures that acknowledged the distinctive cultures of all South Africans.
This quote also speaks to the broader importance of cultural understanding and the role that language plays in shaping not just communication, but also relationships and trust. In modern times, Mandela’s perspective is applicable not only in political leadership but also in areas such as education, business, and international diplomacy. The ability to speak the language of those you engage with, whether literal or metaphorical, is key to fostering strong connections and creating meaningful dialogue. Mandela’s words remind us that when we listen and speak with empathy, we can bridge divides and reach deeper levels of understanding.
