Listening to the stories of others in South Africa: a sacrificial listening approach in education

Pedagogical approaches that prioritize active empathetic listening have been shown to profoundly enrich the learning experience, cultivating a deep-seated mutual respect and understanding of diverse perspectives within the framework of democratic education. This study explores the potential impact of the concept of sacrificial listening providing the context of a particular educational program in South African secondary education, which is designed to enhance mutual cultural understanding and empathy amongst students and their families from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Employing a narrative analysis of interpersonal interactions and family stories, the study elucidates that such a listening approach may significantly nurture empathy, understanding, and inclusive learning environments. It illuminates the transformative capacity of embedding human narratives and active emotional sacrificial listening of others into educational practices, underscoring the imperative for meticulous implementation and support to adeptly maneuver through the complexities of sensitive, intercultural discourse. © 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.