It is important, but have often noticed that the Chewa speakers (locals) are quick to speak to non Chewa speakers in English making it difficult for a non speaker to learn Chewa quickly. In my case my vernacular has many words in common with Chewa so it is easier to learn but the challenge above remains so I cannot learn fast.
Hi, most Malawians speak good enough English so it won't be a problem. Chichewa is easier to learn than Tumbuka, but Tumbuka is spoken far more, so I changed over... communication in Malawi is pretty straightforward. They like to hear you trying to speak their language, and it will bring a lot of laughs, but go for it...
