While he grew up speaking the Tswana language, Plaatje would become a polyglot. Fluent in at least seven languages, he worked as a court interpreter during the Siege of Mafeking, and translated works of William Shakespeare into Tswana. His talent for language would lead to a career in journalism and writing. He was editor and part-owner of "Kuranta ya Becoana" ("Bechuana Gazette") in Mahikeng, and in Kimberley "Tsala ya Becoana" ("Bechuana Friend") and "Tsala ya Batho" ("The Friend of the People").