This paper aims to explore, compare and analyse Malawian and Nigerian immigrants’ attitudes and motivation regarding the acquisition of isiZulu and towards its speakers in Johannesburg. The two central objectives of the article were, first; to determine the types of attitudes and motivations held by each of the two groupings towards isiZulu and its speakers. Second; to establish the underlying reasons for the differences between the two. \r\nBeing investigative and exploratory in nature, the study adopted a phenomenological qualitative research approach, in order to get to the bottom of the problem. The data collected from one-on-one interview method were thematically analysed. Participants’ attitudes were inferred from their responses and reactions to various language learning situations, such as the tendency of the Zulus and black South Africans in general, of insisting to speak isiZulu to black immigrants, regardless of whether the foreign nationals know the language or not. The key finding to emerge from the study was that Malawian nationals harbour more positive attitudes towards isiZulu and its speakers than their Nigerian counterparts. Furthermore, they, Malawian immigrants, were found to be highly motivated to the acquisition of the language than the Nigerians. This was due to differences in the educational levels of the groupings, as well as their differences in the economic activities in the host country. The subheadings of this paper include the introduction, literature review, Methodology, findings and discussion and conclusion. \r\n

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