Basic 9 · Ghanaian Language · Marriage Rites
Comparing Marriage Rites, Linking Ideas and Translation
In this topic you will compare marriage rites across Ghanaian cultures, ask questions that link speakers' ideas and translate texts from a source language to a target language.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Compare marriage rites in different cultures
- Ask linking questions in discussion
- Decode texts and translate them accurately
What you already know
- Marriage rites
- Register
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Customs & Institutions
- Sub-strand
- Marriage Rites
- Indicator
- B9.1.1.1.2 – Compare and contrast the marriage rites in their culture to other cultures in Ghana
Introduction
Ghana's peoples share some ideas about marriage, yet each has its own rich customs. Comparing them shows both what unites us and what makes us different.
1. Similarities
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| family involvement | Both families take part. |
| enquiries | Character and health are checked. |
| gifts | Items are presented as a sign of respect. |
| witnesses | The marriage is public. |
| advice | Elders counsel the couple. |
2. Differences
| Point | Matrilineal peoples (e.g. Akan) | Patrilineal peoples (e.g. Ewe, Ga, Dagomba) |
|---|---|---|
| children belong to | the mother's family | the father's family |
| gifts | head drink and cloth | vary by area |
Among the Akan, children belong to the mother's family, while among patrilineal peoples, they belong to the father's. This affects inheritance and the meaning of the rites. In parts of northern Ghana, Islamic practices are combined with local customs. Among the Krobo, puberty rites have long been linked with readiness for marriage. Many families in every region also add a church or mosque ceremony.
3. Comparing Respectfully
When comparing cultures, avoid saying that one is better than another. Different customs serve different people. Use neutral language, such as "In our culture, we do this, whereas in theirs...". Ask sincere questions. In a country with many cultures, respectful understanding helps families who marry across ethnic lines, which is now common. Such couples may perform both families' rites.
4. Inter-Ethnic Marriage
As more people move to towns, marriages between ethnic groups have become common. These bring families and cultures together, and help to build national unity. They can also raise questions about language, inheritance and the naming of children. Couples and families settle these through discussion. Children of such marriages often grow up speaking several languages, and this is a real advantage.
New words
- matrilineal
- Tracing family through the mother.
- patrilineal
- Tracing family through the father.
- inter-ethnic
- Between different ethnic groups.
- neutral
- Not favouring one side.
Summary
- Marriage rites share many features across Ghana.
- Differences relate to family, religion and region.
- Compare cultures with respect.
Class activity: Culture Table
- Compare marriage in two cultures.
- Fill in a table.
- Present what you found.
You need: Printed photographs of Ghanaian marriage rites, Traditional cloth sample, Calabash
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Among the Akan, children belong to the…
- A. mother's family
- B. father's family
- C. chief
- D. school
Show answer
Answer: mother's familyMatrilineal.2. The Ewe are mainly…
- A. patrilineal
- B. matrilineal
- C. island dwellers
- D. nomads
Show answer
Answer: patrilinealFather's line.3. Marriages between ethnic groups are now common.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueUnity.4. Not favouring one side is being ______.
Show answer
Answer: neutralTerm.5. Give three similarities among marriage rites.
Show answer
Answer: Family involvement, enquiries and gifts.Any three.6. How do inter-ethnic marriages help national unity?
Show answer
Answer: They bring families and cultures together.Unity.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Listening & Speaking
- Sub-strand
- Conversation
- Indicator
- B9.2.1.1.2 – Ask questions that link the ideas of several speakers and respond to others’ questions in a discussion
Introduction
Good discussions are built, like a house. Each speaker adds a block to what has already been laid.
1. Linking Speakers
| Purpose | English phrase |
|---|---|
| agreeing | I agree with Ama because... |
| adding | Adding to what Kofi said... |
| disagreeing | I respect that, but... |
| asking | How does that relate to...? |
| summing up | So far, we have said that... |
Learn how to say these in your language. Using a speaker's name shows that you listened. Linking phrases make a discussion feel like a shared effort, rather than a series of separate speeches.
2. Responding to Questions
Listen to the question, think and answer directly. If you do not understand, ask politely for it to be repeated. Do not become angry when someone challenges you. Elders often teach that the person who stays calm wins respect. In discussions held in your language, try to keep to that language, and avoid mixing in English words wherever you can.
3. Sample Discussion (in English)
ADWOA: Should young people still perform traditional marriage rites? KWEKU: Yes, because they join families. ESI: Kweku is right, but how can we reduce the cost? ADWOA: That links to what my aunt said. Families could agree on fewer items. KWEKU: Would elders accept that?
Each person listens, and builds on the last point. Esi agrees and then adds a question. Adwoa links it to something she knows. Kweku raises a practical concern. The discussion is moving towards a solution.
4. Roles and Manners
A discussion in a traditional setting may follow an order, with elders speaking last. They listen to everyone, then give a final view. In class, the teacher or a chosen leader can guide the group. Everyone should get a turn, and quiet members should be invited to speak. Close by summarising what has been agreed. Good manners and clear thinking go together.
New words
- discussion
- A talk about a topic.
- linking phrase
- Words that connect ideas.
- summarise
- To give the main points.
- challenge
- To question an idea.
Summary
- Linking phrases connect speakers' ideas.
- Respond calmly, and keep to your language.
- Everyone should have a turn.
Class activity: Link It
- Discuss the cost of marriage rites.
- Use a linking phrase each time you speak.
- Summarise your conclusions.
You need: Printed photographs of familiar Ghanaian settings, Printed dialogue cards, Locally made puppets
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which links ideas?
- A. Adding to what Kofi said…
- B. Go away.
- C. I am hungry.
- D. Be quiet.
Show answer
Answer: Adding to what Kofi said…Linking.2. In traditional meetings, elders may speak…
- A. last
- B. never
- C. first only
- D. in English
Show answer
Answer: lastCustom.3. Using a speaker's name shows that you listened.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueListening.4. To give the main points is to ______.
Show answer
Answer: summariseSkill.5. How should you respond to a challenge?
Show answer
Answer: Calmly and with reasons.Manners.6. Why is summing up useful?
Show answer
Answer: It shows what has been agreed and what comes next.Discussion.
Lesson 3
- Strand
- Reading
- Sub-strand
- Translation
- Indicator
- B9.3.2.1.1 – Decode the meaning of texts and translate from source to target language
Introduction
Translation is not a matter of swapping one word for another. It means carrying meaning across from one language to another.
1. Source and Target Language
Translation: Expressing the meaning of a text in another language.
The source language is the one you are translating from, and the target language is the one you are translating into. A good translator must first decode the text, meaning that they must understand it fully. Only then can they express it naturally in the target language. A word-for-word translation often sounds strange or even wrong.
2. Sample Translations
| English | Akan |
|---|---|
| My name is Ama. | Me din de Ama. |
| Thank you. | Medaase. |
| Welcome. | Akwaaba. |
| I want to go to school. | Mepɛ sɛ mekɔ sukuu. |
| The children are coming. | Mmofra no reba. |
Notice how the word order and structure differ. In Akan, "no" follows the noun, unlike "the", which comes before it in English. Good translators follow the rules of the target language.
3. Steps in Translating
- Read the whole text.
- Identify the main ideas.
- Check difficult words.
- Translate the meaning, sentence by sentence.
- Read it again in the target language.
- Compare with the source to check accuracy.
4. Challenges of Translation
Some ideas are hard to translate. Words such as "computer" have no traditional equivalent, so languages may borrow them, as Akan has with "sukuu" from "school". Proverbs and idioms cannot be translated word for word. You must find an equivalent meaning. The Akan expression "Akwaaba" means more than "welcome", as it carries warmth. Translators, interpreters and broadcasters do valuable work in Ghana, and they help people to access news, health advice and the law in their own languages.
New words
- source language
- The language translated from.
- target language
- The language translated into.
- decode
- To work out the meaning.
- loan word
- A word borrowed from another language.
Summary
- Translation carries meaning, not just words.
- Follow the rules of the target language.
- Idioms and new words need special care.
Class activity: Translation Pairs
- Translate a short notice into your language.
- Compare your versions.
- Agree on the best version.
You need: Ghanaian-language storybook, Printed bilingual word cards, Exercise books, Pencils
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. "Me din de Ama" means…
- A. My name is Ama.
- B. I like Ama.
- C. Ama is coming.
- D. Where is Ama?
Show answer
Answer: My name is Ama.Translation.2. The language you translate into is the…
- A. target language
- B. source language
- C. dialect
- D. mother tongue only
Show answer
Answer: target languageTerm.3. Word-for-word translation is always best.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseMeaning matters.4. A word borrowed from another language is a ______ word.
Show answer
Answer: loanTerm.5. Give the steps in translating.
Show answer
Answer: Read the text, find the main ideas, translate meaning and check.Steps.6. Why are proverbs hard to translate?
Show answer
Answer: Their meaning is not in the literal words, so an equivalent must be found.Challenge.
Homework
- Translate a short public notice into your language.