Basic 8 · Ghanaian Language · Abstract Nouns
Abstract Nouns, Features of Letters and Proverbs
In this topic you will identify and use abstract nouns in your Ghanaian language, learn the features of letters and discuss the features and uses of proverbs.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Identify abstract nouns and use them in sentences
- Describe the features of informal letters in your Ghanaian language
- Explain the features and functions of proverbs
What you already know
- Common, proper and collective nouns
- Paragraphs and oral literature
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Language & Usage
- Sub-strand
- Abstract Nouns
- Indicator
- B8.4.2.1.1 – Explore the use of nouns and pronouns in an increasing range of texts and classify them
Introduction
You cannot touch love or see wisdom, yet they are real. Words that name such ideas are called abstract nouns.
1. What Are Abstract Nouns?
Abstract noun: A noun that names an idea, quality, feeling or state that cannot be seen or touched.
| Twi | English |
|---|---|
| ɔdɔ | love |
| anigyeɛ | joy |
| nokorɛ | truth |
| ahoɔden | strength |
| nimdeɛ | knowledge |
| awerɛhoɔ | sorrow |
| ahotɔ | peace, comfort |
2. Abstract and Concrete Nouns
A concrete noun names something that can be seen or touched, such as "dua" (tree). An abstract noun names something that exists only as an idea or feeling. You can see a child smiling, but the joy itself cannot be touched.
3. Forming Abstract Nouns
In Twi, many abstract nouns are formed from verbs or adjectives with prefixes and suffixes. For example, "dɔ" (to love) gives "ɔdɔ" (love), and "gye" in "ani gye" (to be happy) gives "anigyeɛ" (joy). Every Ghanaian language has its own patterns. Notice these patterns in your reading and ask your teacher about them.
4. Using Abstract Nouns in Sentences
| Twi | English |
|---|---|
| Ɔdɔ yɛ adeɛ pa. | Love is a good thing. |
| Nokorɛ ho hia. | Truth is important. |
| Nimdeɛ yɛ ahonyadeɛ. | Knowledge is wealth. |
Abstract nouns are common in proverbs, speeches and sermons, because they express important values.
5. Abstract Nouns and Values
Many abstract nouns name the values that communities teach, such as respect, patience, honesty and unity. Names can also carry these ideas: in Akan, a child may be called "Nyamekye" (God's gift), and in Ewe "Dzifa" means peace of heart. Learning these words in your own language helps you talk about the things that matter most.
New words
- abstract noun
- A noun for an idea or feeling.
- concrete noun
- A noun for something seen or touched.
- quality
- A feature of a person or thing.
- prefix
- Letters added to the start of a word.
Summary
- Abstract nouns name ideas, qualities and feelings that cannot be touched.
- In Twi, many abstract nouns are formed from verbs and adjectives.
- They are common in proverbs, speeches and discussions of values.
Class activity: Abstract Noun Hunt
- Find abstract nouns in a passage in your Ghanaian language.
- Classify them as feelings, qualities or ideas.
- Use three of them in your own sentences.
You need: Locally made puppets, Printed pronoun cards, Chalkboard, Chalk
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which is an abstract noun?
- A. ɔdɔ (love)
- B. dua (tree)
- C. nwoma (book)
- D. nsuo (water)
Show answer
Answer: ɔdɔ (love)Feeling.2. "Nimdeɛ" means…
- A. knowledge
- B. joy
- C. sorrow
- D. strength
Show answer
Answer: knowledgeTwi word.3. Abstract nouns can be touched.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseThey are ideas.4. A noun for something seen or touched is a ______ noun.
Show answer
Answer: concretePhysical.5. Give three abstract nouns in your language with their meanings.
Show answer
Answer: e.g. Twi: ɔdɔ (love), anigyeɛ (joy), nokorɛ (truth).Any three.6. Why are abstract nouns common in proverbs?
Show answer
Answer: Proverbs teach values and ideas such as truth, love and wisdom.Values.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Composition Writing
- Sub-strand
- Letter Writing
- Indicator
- B8.5.1.1.1 – Develop coherent essays using the features of given text types
Introduction
Even in the age of phones, letters remain important for serious matters, and writing them is tested in examinations. A letter in a Ghanaian language follows the same layout as one in English.
1. Types of Letters
| Type | Written to | Language |
|---|---|---|
| informal | friends, siblings, parents | friendly and relaxed |
| semi-formal | an uncle, a teacher, a pastor, a family friend | polite and respectful |
| formal | officials, chiefs, headteachers, companies | serious and formal |
2. Parts of an Informal Letter
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
| writer's address | top right corner |
| date | below the address |
| salutation | such as "Me nua pa Kofi" (My dear brother Kofi) |
| opening | greetings and enquiries about health |
| body | main news in paragraphs |
| closing | final greetings to others |
| subscription | such as "Wo nua" (Your brother or sister) |
| name | your first name |
3. Greetings in Letters
Ghanaian letters traditionally begin with warm greetings and questions about health and family, as in a conversation with a visitor. In your language, this polite opening is very important. A writer who jumps straight to the point may seem rude. After greeting, state the reason for writing, just as a visitor states their mission (amanneɛ).
4. Language in Letters
Use your language naturally, with correct spelling, special letters and paragraphs. A suitable proverb can make a letter more interesting. Avoid mixing in English words unless there is no good equivalent. End with greetings to family members and a clear closing.
5. Addressing an Envelope
After writing your letter, address the envelope clearly. Write the receiver's name and address in the centre, and the sender's address on the back or in the top corner. Even when letters are sent by hand through a relative, a clear name helps. Although phones are common, a well-written letter still shows care and respect.
New words
- salutation
- The greeting at the start of a letter.
- subscription
- The closing words before the name.
- semi-formal letter
- A polite letter to someone you know but respect.
- enquiry
- A question asking for information.
Summary
- Letters may be informal, semi-formal or formal, depending on the reader.
- An informal letter has an address, date, salutation, opening, body, closing, subscription and name.
- Ghanaian letters begin with warm greetings before stating the purpose.
Class activity: Letter Layout
- Write an informal letter in your Ghanaian language to a relative.
- Label each part of the letter.
- Exchange with a partner and check the layout.
You need: Printed Ghanaian-language model text, Exercise books, Pencils
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Where does the writer's address go in a letter?
- A. top right corner
- B. bottom left
- C. middle
- D. on the back
Show answer
Answer: top right cornerLayout.2. A letter to your pastor would usually be…
- A. semi-formal
- B. very casual
- C. written in slang
- D. a text message
Show answer
Answer: semi-formalRespectful.3. Ghanaian letters often begin with greetings about health.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TruePoliteness.4. The greeting at the start of a letter is the ______.
Show answer
Answer: salutationOpening.5. Name four parts of an informal letter.
Show answer
Answer: Address, date, salutation, body (or closing, subscription).Any four.6. Why is the opening of a Ghanaian-language letter important?
Show answer
Answer: It shows politeness, like greeting a visitor before stating the mission.Culture.
Lesson 3
- Strand
- Literature
- Sub-strand
- Literature
- Indicator
- B8.6.1.1.1 – Discuss the features of proverbs and idioms
Introduction
When an elder speaks a proverb, everyone goes quiet to think. Proverbs are short sayings that carry deep wisdom.
1. What Is a Proverb?
Proverb: A short, traditional saying that expresses a truth or gives advice.
2. Features of Proverbs
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| short | few words, easy to remember |
| traditional | passed down from the ancestors |
| figurative | uses images such as animals, plants and everyday objects |
| wise | gives a general truth or lesson |
| balanced | often has two parts that echo each other |
| indirect | gives advice without directly accusing anyone |
3. Examples of Akan Proverbs
| Proverb | Literal meaning | Lesson |
|---|---|---|
| Tikoro nkɔ agyina. | One head does not go into council. | two heads are better than one |
| Sɛ wo werɛ fi na wosan kɔfa a, yɛnkyi. | It is no taboo to go back for what you forgot. | learn from the past; correct mistakes |
| Dua koro gye mframa a, ɛbu. | When one tree faces the wind, it breaks. | unity is strength |
| Obi nkyerɛ abɔfra Nyame. | No one shows a child God. | some truths are plain to all |
4. Functions of Proverbs
Proverbs are used to advise, warn, praise, settle disputes and make speech more beautiful. A chief's linguist uses them to show wisdom. In an argument, a well-chosen proverb can end the matter, because it carries the authority of the ancestors. Among the Akan, a person who speaks with proverbs is respected as wise.
New words
- proverb
- A short traditional saying that gives wisdom.
- figurative
- Using images instead of plain statement.
- literal meaning
- The basic meaning of the words.
- council
- A group that meets to give advice or decide.
Summary
- Proverbs are short, traditional, figurative and wise sayings.
- They use everyday images to teach lessons indirectly.
- They are used to advise, warn, praise and settle disputes.
Class activity: Proverb Collection
- Collect five proverbs from elders in your community.
- Give the literal meaning and the lesson of each.
- Display them on a class chart.
You need: Printed proverb, Idiom cards, Printed pictures of familiar Ghanaian objects, Calabash
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. "Tikoro nkɔ agyina" teaches that…
- A. two heads are better than one
- B. trees are strong
- C. children know God
- D. fire is hot
Show answer
Answer: two heads are better than oneConsultation.2. Which is a feature of proverbs?
- A. they are short and figurative
- B. they are always long
- C. they are new
- D. they are only in English
Show answer
Answer: they are short and figurativeFeatures.3. Proverbs are passed down from the ancestors.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueTraditional.4. The Sankofa proverb teaches us to learn from the ______.
Show answer
Answer: pastGo back.5. State three functions of proverbs.
Show answer
Answer: To advise, warn and praise (or settle disputes, beautify speech).Any three.6. Why can a proverb end an argument?
Show answer
Answer: It carries the authority and wisdom of the ancestors, so people respect it.Authority.
Homework
- Write ten abstract nouns in your language with their meanings.
- Write an informal letter to a friend in your Ghanaian language.