Basic 9 · Ghanaian Language · Adjectives
Adjectives, Descriptive Writing and War Songs
In this topic you will discuss how adjectives follow each other in a sentence, write descriptive compositions using linked paragraphs and explore war songs.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Explain the order of adjectives in a sentence
- Write a descriptive composition
- Explain the role of war songs
What you already know
- Nouns
- Narrative writing
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
- Adjectives
- Indicator
- B9.4.2.2.1 – Discuss how adjectives follow each other in a sentence
Introduction
In English, adjectives come before the noun. In many Ghanaian languages, they come after it, and that changes how sentences are built.
1. Adjectives After the Noun
| English | Akan | Ewe |
|---|---|---|
| a tall woman | ɔbaa tenten | — |
| a big house | ɔdan kɛseɛ | xɔ gã |
| a good person | onipa pa | ame nyui |
In Akan and Ewe, as the table shows, the noun comes first and the adjective follows. Learners who write as they do in English may put adjectives in the wrong place. Check the pattern in the language you study, as it may differ.
2. More Than One Adjective
| Noun | Size | Colour | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| akokɔ | kɛseɛ | tuntum | a big black fowl |
| ɔdan | kɛseɛ | fitaa | a big white house |
| ntoma | ketewa | kɔkɔɔ | a small red cloth |
When two adjectives follow a noun, size usually comes before colour in Akan. Listen to how good speakers order them, and note what sounds natural. Ask your teacher to confirm the pattern in your language, and note any exceptions.
3. Agreement of Adjectives
Some adjectives change to agree with a plural noun. In Akan, "ketewa" (small) becomes "nketewa" with a plural noun, as in "mmofra nketewa" (small children), and "kɛseɛ" (big) becomes "akɛseɛ", as in "nnipa akɛseɛ" (important or big people). Colour words may not change in the same way. Watch for these patterns in the texts you read.
4. Using Adjectives
Adjectives give detail and colour. They can be strengthened by repeating them, as is common in many Ghanaian languages. For instance, in Akan, "kɛseɛ kɛseɛ" suggests very large things. Do not use too many, but use exact ones. Choosing the right adjective is an important part of good writing in any language.
New words
- adjective
- A word that describes a noun.
- agreement
- Matching forms of related words.
- repetition
- Saying something again for effect.
- position
- Where a word stands in a sentence.
Summary
- Adjectives follow the noun in Akan and Ewe.
- Size usually comes before colour in Akan.
- Some adjectives change to agree with plural nouns.
Class activity: Build a Phrase
- Choose a noun in your language.
- Add two adjectives.
- Check the order with your teacher.
You need: Kente cloth sample, Printed adjective cards, Chalkboard, Chalk
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. In Akan, the adjective usually comes…
- A. after the noun
- B. before the noun
- C. at the end of a page
- D. nowhere
Show answer
Answer: after the nounPosition.2. "Mmofra nketewa" means…
- A. small children
- B. big houses
- C. red cloth
- D. old men
Show answer
Answer: small childrenAgreement.3. In Akan, "ɔbaa tenten" means a tall woman.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueMeaning.4. A word that describes a noun is an ______.
Show answer
Answer: adjectiveTerm.5. Describe "a big black fowl" in Akan.
Show answer
Answer: akokɔ kɛseɛ tuntumOrder.6. Explain why English speakers may misplace adjectives in Akan.
Show answer
Answer: English puts adjectives first, so they may follow that pattern instead.Comparison.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Composition Writing
- Sub-strand
- Descriptive Writing
- Indicator
- B9.5.1.1.1 – Plan and structure a range of extended texts using paragraphs to show progression from one idea to the next and linking paragraphs using cohesive language
Introduction
Good description lets your reader see, hear and smell the place you are writing about, in the language of your home.
1. Planning a Description
| Paragraph | Content |
|---|---|
| 1 | introduce the place, person or event |
| 2 | what you see |
| 3 | what you hear and smell |
| 4 | what happens there |
| 5 | how you feel about it |
2. Sensory Language
Use the five senses. Describe the colour of the cloth at a festival, the beat of the drums, the smell of smoked fish and the feel of the morning cold. Ghanaian languages have a wonderful resource: ideophones. These are special words that imitate sounds or describe movements, and they make writing vivid. In Akan, repeated words often suggest a manner of action. Listen for these in the speech of elders.
3. Linking Paragraphs
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ɛha | here |
| ɛhɔ | there |
| nanso | but |
| bio | also, again |
| afei | then |
Move from one paragraph to the next using linking words. A description can follow a route, such as walking through a market from the entrance to the far end. This keeps your reader from getting lost.
4. Editing for Language
Ask yourself whether your description sounds natural. Use your own language's expressions, and avoid direct translation from English. Check adjective order and agreement. Use proverbs if they fit. Choose vivid words over general ones. Instead of "it was nice", say what made it pleasant. Read your work aloud to find mistakes. If your teacher allows it, swap with a partner and check each other's spelling and word division.
New words
- ideophone
- A word that imitates a sound or action.
- sensory
- Relating to the senses.
- vivid
- Very clear and bright.
- route
- A way from one place to another.
Summary
- Plan description by paragraph.
- Use senses and vivid words.
- Avoid direct translation from English.
Class activity: Market Description
- Think of a market or festival.
- Write five sentences using the senses.
- Read them to a partner.
You need: Printed Ghanaian-language model text, Exercise books, Pencils
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which sense is used in "the smell of fish"?
- A. smell
- B. sight
- C. touch
- D. taste only
Show answer
Answer: smellSense.2. A word that imitates a sound or action is an…
- A. ideophone
- B. adjective clause
- C. article
- D. ending
Show answer
Answer: ideophoneTerm.3. Description can follow a route.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueOrganisation.4. "Very clear and bright" means ______.
Show answer
Answer: vividVocabulary.5. List three parts of a description plan.
Show answer
Answer: Introduction, what you see and how you feel.Any three.6. How do ideophones improve writing?
Show answer
Answer: They make actions and sounds vivid and natural to the language.Style.
Lesson 3
- Strand
- Literature
- Sub-strand
- Literature
- Indicator
- B9.6.1.1.1 – Explore drum language/appellations and war songs respectively
Introduction
Before a battle, people did not march in silence. Songs gave them courage, and those songs still stir us today.
1. What Are War Songs?
War song: A song sung to inspire courage in times of conflict.
War songs were sung by warriors and by those at home who supported them. They praised heroes, insulted enemies and reminded people of their duty. In Akan areas, Asafo companies were traditional military groups that also served their towns. Among the Fante, Asafo companies are still known for their songs, flags and shrines. Their songs are now performed at festivals and funerals, as a reminder of history.
2. Purposes
| Purpose | Explanation |
|---|---|
| encourage | gives warriors courage |
| praise | honours heroes |
| shame | mocks cowards and enemies |
| unite | gives a sense of oneness |
| record | keeps history alive |
3. Yaa Asantewaa
One well-known Asante song celebrates Yaa Asantewaa, the queen mother of Ejisu, who led the fight against the British in 1900. It praises her as a woman who stood before cannons. Songs such as this one preserve the memory of what she did, and they show the respect given to women leaders. Ask an elder or your teacher to sing you a war song from your own area.
4. Features of War Songs
| Feature | Effect |
|---|---|
| repetition | easy to remember and sing together |
| call and response | leader and group unite |
| strong rhythm | fits marching and drumming |
| praise names | recalls heroes |
| vivid images | stirs emotions |
Today, these songs are heard in new settings. Football fans and political groups often use their tunes. Some Asafo songs appear in performances of drumming and dance. Although they were made for war, in peaceful times they teach us about bravery, unity and history. Sing them with understanding, and be careful not to use them to insult or provoke other groups.
New words
- war song
- A song that inspires courage.
- Asafo
- Akan traditional military companies.
- call and response
- A leader sings and a group answers.
- hero
- A person admired for courage.
Summary
- War songs encouraged warriors and recorded history.
- Asafo groups keep such traditions alive.
- They use repetition, rhythm and praise names.
Class activity: Song Study
- Learn a traditional song from your area.
- Explain its meaning.
- Perform it.
You need: Talking drum, Calabash rattle, Printed Ghanaian-language song cards
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Asafo groups were traditional…
- A. military companies
- B. banks
- C. schools
- D. market stalls
Show answer
Answer: military companiesHistory.2. Yaa Asantewaa was queen mother of…
- A. Ejisu
- B. Accra
- C. Tamale
- D. Keta
Show answer
Answer: EjisuHistory.3. War songs often use repetition.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueFeature.4. A leader sings and a group answers in call and ______.
Show answer
Answer: responseTerm.5. State three purposes of war songs.
Show answer
Answer: To encourage, praise and unite.Any three.6. How should war songs be used today?
Show answer
Answer: With understanding, as history, and not to insult or provoke others.Responsibility.
Homework
- Ask an elder about a war song or Asafo group, and write what you learn.