Basic 8 · Ghanaian Language · Pronouns
Types of Pronouns in Texts, Argumentative Essays and Themes of Proverbs
In this topic you will explore the use of pronouns in speech and writing, take a stand and write an argumentative essay, and group proverbs according to their themes.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Use pronouns correctly in speech and writing
- Write an argumentative essay with a clear stand and reasons
- Group proverbs according to their themes
What you already know
- Pronouns (Basic 7)
- Essays and proverbs
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
- Pronouns
- Indicator
- B8.4.2.1.1 – Explore the use of nouns and pronouns in an increasing range of texts and classify them
Introduction
Pronouns keep our speech from sounding repetitive. In Ghanaian languages they often work differently from English, so they need careful attention.
1. Review of Pronouns
| Person | Subject | Object | Possessive |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | me- | me | me |
| you (one) | wo- | wo | wo |
| he/she | ɔ- | no | ne |
| it | ɛ- | no | ne |
| we | yɛ- | yɛn | yɛn |
| you (many) | mo- | mo | mo |
| they | wɔ- | wɔn | wɔn |
2. Pronouns in Sentences
Subject pronouns are joined to the verb: "Mekɔ" (I go), "Yɛkɔ" (we go). Object pronouns come after the verb: "Ɔhunuu me" (He or she saw me). Possessive pronouns come before the noun: "me maame" (my mother), "yɛn sukuu" (our school). Note that Twi does not show gender in the pronoun, so "ɔ-" can mean he or she.
3. Pronouns of Respect
Respect is important in Ghanaian speech. Rather than using a bare pronoun for an elder, speakers often use a title: "Nana, wobɛkɔ?" may be softened by repeating "Nana" or using polite phrases. Listen to how adults address chiefs and elders, and follow the same practice.
4. Avoiding Confusion
Because one pronoun covers both he and she, writers must make the person clear. In a story with two women, repeat the name when needed: "Ama hunuu Esi. Ama kaa sɛ..." (Ama saw Esi. Ama said that...). Clear reference keeps your reader from becoming lost. Check your writing to be sure that each pronoun points to one person.
New words
- subject pronoun
- A pronoun that does the action.
- object pronoun
- A pronoun that receives the action.
- possessive pronoun
- A pronoun showing ownership.
- reference
- Pointing to a person or thing.
Summary
- Twi subject pronouns join the verb, object pronouns follow it and possessives come before the noun.
- Titles and polite phrases show respect to elders.
- Make clear who each pronoun refers to, because Twi does not mark gender.
Class activity: Pronoun Stories
- Write a short story in your language with two characters.
- Underline each pronoun and check who it refers to.
- Replace any confusing pronoun with a name.
You need: Locally made puppets, Printed pronoun cards, Chalkboard, Chalk
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. "Yɛ-" in Twi means…
- A. we
- B. they
- C. you
- D. he
Show answer
Answer: weSubject pronoun.2. In "me maame", "me" is a…
- A. possessive pronoun
- B. verb
- C. adjective
- D. noun
Show answer
Answer: possessive pronounMy mother.3. Twi pronouns do not show gender.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: Trueɔ- means he or she.4. A pronoun showing ownership is a ______ pronoun.
Show answer
Answer: possessiveOwnership.5. Translate into your language: "We saw our teacher."
Show answer
Answer: e.g. Twi: Yɛhunuu yɛn kyerɛkyerɛni.Pronouns.6. Why might a writer repeat a name instead of using a pronoun in Twi?
Show answer
Answer: Because ɔ- can mean he or she, so a name makes clear who is meant.Clarity.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Composition Writing
- Sub-strand
- Argumentative Writing
- Indicator
- B8.5.1.1.1 – Develop coherent essays using the features of given text types
Introduction
"Should mobile phones be allowed in school?" An argumentative essay takes a stand on such a question and gives reasons to convince the reader.
1. Features of an Argumentative Essay
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| clear stand | the writer states a position |
| reasons | each paragraph gives one reason |
| evidence | facts, examples and proverbs support reasons |
| counter-argument | the writer answers the other side |
| conclusion | restates the stand and calls for action |
| formal tone | respectful and serious |
2. Structure of a Four-Paragraph Essay
| Paragraph | Content |
|---|---|
| introduction | state the topic and your stand |
| reason 1 | educated women raise healthier families |
| reason 2 | the nation needs the talents of all its people |
| counter-argument and conclusion | some say girls belong at home; answer this and restate your stand |
3. Language for Argument
Use phrases that show your stand and link your reasons. In English these are "In my opinion", "Firstly", "Moreover" and "In conclusion". In Twi, phrases such as "Me nsusuiɛ ne sɛ" (my thinking is that), "Deɛ ɛdi kan" (first), "Bio" (again, also) and "Awieɛ koraa" (finally) serve the same purpose. A suitable proverb, such as "Tikoro nkɔ agyina", can add weight.
4. Answering the Other Side
A strong essay shows that you have thought about the opposing view. Say what others believe, then explain why your view is stronger: "Some people say that girls should stay at home. However, a woman who can read can run a business, understand a doctor's advice and teach her children." Be respectful; attack the idea, not the person.
New words
- stand
- The position a writer takes.
- counter-argument
- The opposite view and an answer to it.
- evidence
- Facts and examples that support a view.
- convince
- To make someone believe something.
Summary
- An argumentative essay takes a clear stand and supports it with reasons and evidence.
- It addresses the opposing view and ends with a strong conclusion.
- Linking phrases and proverbs strengthen the argument.
Class activity: Take a Stand
- Choose a topic, such as "School uniforms should be abolished".
- Plan and write an argumentative essay in your Ghanaian language.
- Read it to a partner and answer one question.
You need: Printed Ghanaian-language model text, Exercise books, Pencils
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. An argumentative essay must have a…
- A. clear stand
- B. poem
- C. song
- D. recipe
Show answer
Answer: clear standPosition.2. A counter-argument is…
- A. the opposite view and an answer to it
- B. a greeting
- C. a title
- D. a proverb
Show answer
Answer: the opposite view and an answer to itOther side.3. An argumentative essay should use a formal tone.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueSerious.4. To make someone believe something is to ______ them.
Show answer
Answer: convincePersuade.5. List the features of an argumentative essay.
Show answer
Answer: Clear stand, reasons, evidence, counter-argument, conclusion.Features.6. Why does answering the other side strengthen an essay?
Show answer
Answer: It shows you have considered other views and makes your reasons more convincing.Credibility.
Lesson 3
- Strand
- Literature
- Sub-strand
- Literature
- Indicator
- B8.6.1.1.1 – Discuss the features of proverbs and idioms
Introduction
Proverbs cover every part of life. Grouping them by theme helps you to remember them and to find the right one when you need it.
1. Common Themes
| Theme | Lesson |
|---|---|
| unity and cooperation | people need one another |
| hard work | success comes from effort |
| patience | good things take time |
| respect | honour elders and others |
| wisdom | think before you act |
| God and faith | trust in the Creator |
| death and destiny | life is short; no one escapes death |
2. Examples of Themes
| Proverb | Theme |
|---|---|
| Dua koro gye mframa a, ɛbu. | unity |
| Tikoro nkɔ agyina. | wisdom and consultation |
| Sɛ wo werɛ fi na wosan kɔfa a, yɛnkyi. | learning from the past |
| Obi nkyerɛ abɔfra Nyame. | God and faith |
Each language has its own proverbs on these themes. Ask elders for proverbs from your community, and write them under the right headings.
3. Images in Proverbs
Proverbs draw images from everyday Ghanaian life: trees, fire, goats, drums, the river, the farm and the market. These images make wisdom easy to remember. A proverb about a tree in the wind is really about people. To understand a proverb, ask what the image stands for in human life.
4. Proverbs and Adinkra
Many adinkra symbols express proverbs. Gye Nyame ("Except God") expresses trust in God; Sankofa expresses learning from the past; Funtumfunefu, the two crocodiles sharing one stomach, expresses unity in diversity. In this way, wisdom is spoken in words and also worn on cloth.
New words
- theme
- The main idea or subject.
- image
- A picture created by words.
- consultation
- Seeking advice from others.
- destiny
- What is believed will happen in a person's life.
Summary
- Proverbs can be grouped by themes such as unity, hard work, patience, respect and faith.
- They use images from daily life to express truths about people.
- Many adinkra symbols are visual forms of proverbs.
Class activity: Proverb Themes Chart
- Collect proverbs from your community.
- Group them by theme.
- Display them with pictures of the images they use.
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. "Dua koro gye mframa a, ɛbu" is about…
- A. unity
- B. food
- C. weather only
- D. money
Show answer
Answer: unityTheme.2. Funtumfunefu shows two crocodiles sharing one…
- A. stomach
- B. head
- C. tail
- D. river
Show answer
Answer: stomachAdinkra.3. Proverbs use images from daily life.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueImages.4. The main idea of a proverb is its ______.
Show answer
Answer: themeMain idea.5. Name three themes of proverbs.
Show answer
Answer: Unity, hard work, respect (or patience, wisdom, faith).Any three.6. How do you find the meaning of a proverb about a tree?
Show answer
Answer: Ask what the tree stands for in human life, such as a person standing alone.Interpreting images.
Homework
- Write an argumentative essay of three or four paragraphs in your language.
- Collect ten proverbs and group them by theme.