John Muchira, the new African Languages Program Coordinator at the Center for African Studies, brings both passion and deep expertise to language teaching and program development. His arrival signals renewed investment in language instruction as a central pillar of African Studies at UF.
With over 15 years of experience teaching Swahili and developing curriculum for learners at all levels, Muchira has been instrumental in expanding access to African language learning both in the U.S. and abroad. He joins UF from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he served as the African Languages Coordinator for the African Studies Program.
“I believe that language is more than just a communication tool—it’s a gateway to culture, identity, and connection,” Muchira said. “When students learn African languages, they begin to see the continent with new eyes and deeper understanding.”
Muchira often draws inspiration from a favorite quote by Nelson Mandela: “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.” It’s a message he weaves into his presentations, highlighting how language learning can transform the way people relate to others and to the world.
Looking ahead, Muchira is focused on strengthening UF’s African language offerings, growing enrollment, and increasing national visibility for the program. He hopes to expand collaborative teaching models and bring more visibility to the role African languages play in global conversations.
“Language opens doors,” Muchira said. “Not just to deeper cultural understanding, but to global careers, international experiences, and meaningful cross-cultural relationships. My goal is to make sure UF students take advantage of these opportunities.”