Basic 9 · Ghanaian Language · Marriage Rites
Marriage Duties, Formal Speech and Rewriting Texts
In this topic you will further discuss marriage rites, including roles and values, practise register in more formal settings and rewrite the main points of texts logically and accurately.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Explain roles and values in marriage rites
- Use formal language in ceremonies
- Rewrite texts accurately in your own words
What you already know
- Marriage rites
- Main and subsidiary points
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
- B9.1.1.1.1 – Discuss the processes involved in performing marriage rites in their culture
Introduction
Every person at a marriage ceremony has a role. Together, they make sure that the couple begins life with the support of two families.
1. Who Does What
| Person | Role |
|---|---|
| family heads | lead both families |
| spokespersons | speak on behalf of the families |
| parents | give consent and blessing |
| witnesses | confirm that the marriage took place |
| elders | advise the couple |
| the couple | accept their duties |
2. Values in Marriage Rites
| Value | How it is shown |
|---|---|
| respect | families approach each other politely |
| consent | the woman is asked for her agreement |
| honesty | enquiries reveal the truth |
| patience | the process takes time |
| unity | two families become one |
| responsibility | the couple accept their duties |
Advice given at the ceremony reminds the couple that marriage is not always easy. They are told to be patient, to respect each other's families and to settle their quarrels calmly. Elders may remind them that a problem between them should be taken to the family, who will help to settle it.
3. Marriage Rites and the Law
Customary marriage is recognised in Ghanaian law, in the same way as ordinance and Islamic marriages. The law forbids forced marriage and child marriage, and the minimum age is 18. A family's wishes cannot override these rights. Marriage rites are at their best when they support the couple's free choice. Local custom must respect the rights of both the man and the woman.
4. Ceremony Language
Listen for special expressions at a ceremony. A spokesperson may say that the family has seen a beautiful flower in the other's home, and has come to ask for it. This polite way of speaking is called figurative language. It keeps the discussion friendly and respectful. Collect such expressions in your language, and note what they mean.
New words
- consent
- Agreement given freely.
- witness
- A person who sees an event and confirms it.
- blessing
- Prayers for someone's good.
- figurative language
- Language that is not meant literally.
Summary
- Each person has a role at a marriage.
- Rites teach respect, consent and responsibility.
- Custom must respect the law and rights.
Class activity: Mock Ceremony
- Choose roles for a mock ceremony.
- Use polite language.
- Discuss the values shown.
You need: Printed photographs of Ghanaian marriage rites, Traditional cloth sample, Calabash
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Who speaks for a family at a marriage?
- A. a spokesperson
- B. a tailor
- C. a pupil
- D. a driver
Show answer
Answer: a spokespersonRole.2. The minimum legal age of marriage in Ghana is…
- A. 18
- B. 12
- C. 15
- D. 30
Show answer
Answer: 18Law.3. Forced marriage is against Ghanaian law.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueRights.4. Agreement given freely is ______.
Show answer
Answer: consentValue.5. State three values taught by marriage rites.
Show answer
Answer: Respect, patience and unity.Any three.6. What does "we have seen a beautiful flower" mean at a ceremony?
Show answer
Answer: The family has noticed the woman and wishes to ask for her hand in marriage.Figurative.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Listening & Speaking
- Sub-strand
- Conversation
- Indicator
- B9.2.1.1.1 – Use appropriate register in everyday communication (informal and formal) with diverse partners on grade-level topics/ texts/issues
Introduction
Standing up to speak at a family meeting or a community gathering takes skill. Good speakers prepare their words with care.
1. Formal Occasions
| Occasion | Language |
|---|---|
| family meeting | respectful, calm |
| funeral | solemn, comforting |
| durbar | formal, with titles |
| church or mosque | reverent |
| job interview | clear, polite |
2. Opening a Formal Speech
- Greet the elders and all present.
- Use the correct titles.
- State who you are and why you have come.
- Make your points clearly.
- Thank your audience.
In many Ghanaian communities, speakers begin by acknowledging the elders. Even if you are young, you should say that you stand with permission. Humility is greatly valued. A speaker who begins by boasting will lose the audience's respect.
3. Using Proverbs in Speech
Well-chosen proverbs give a speech authority. For example, the Akan proverb "Dua koro gye mframa a, ɛbu" says that if a single tree faces the wind, it breaks. It means that people are stronger together, and it can be used in a speech on unity. Use proverbs only when you understand them, and use only a few. Too many can make a speech sound empty.
4. Listening with Respect
Formal settings also need good listeners. Do not talk while others are speaking, and do not leave without permission. Sit properly, and avoid using your phone. Younger people should wait until they are invited to speak. If you have a point to make, ask politely. These habits are part of the culture of speech, and they make meetings peaceful. A person who speaks well and listens well is greatly admired in Ghanaian society.
New words
- solemn
- Serious and dignified.
- reverent
- Showing deep respect.
- humility
- A modest attitude.
- authority
- The power to be believed or obeyed.
Summary
- Different occasions need different language.
- Formal speech begins with greetings and respect.
- Proverbs add authority when used well.
Class activity: Short Speech
- Write a two-minute speech for a family meeting.
- Include one proverb.
- Deliver it to the class.
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. Language at a funeral should be…
- A. solemn
- B. silly
- C. rude
- D. loud
Show answer
Answer: solemnRegister.2. "Dua koro gye mframa a, ɛbu" teaches…
- A. unity
- B. farming
- C. rain
- D. cooking
Show answer
Answer: unityProverb.3. Humility is valued in formal speech.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueCulture.4. Showing deep respect is being ______.
Show answer
Answer: reverentVocabulary.5. State the steps in opening a formal speech.
Show answer
Answer: Greet elders, use titles and state your purpose.Steps.6. Why should proverbs be used sparingly?
Show answer
Answer: Too many make a speech sound empty, and they should fit the point.Style.
Lesson 3
- Strand
- Reading
- Sub-strand
- Reading
- Indicator
- B9.3.1.1.1 – Locate the main and subsidiary points in a range of texts and rewrite logically with accuracy in their own words
Introduction
Rewriting a text in your own words shows that you have truly understood it.
1. Steps in Rewriting
- Read the whole text twice.
- Identify the main points.
- Put them in a logical order.
- Use your own words.
- Compare your version with the original.
- Check spelling and grammar.
2. Logical Order
| Order | Used for |
|---|---|
| time | stories and events |
| cause and effect | explanations |
| importance | arguments |
| general to specific | descriptions |
Choose the order that matches the text. A story should be retold in time order. An explanation should show causes before results. Do not jump between ideas. Use linking words to show how they connect.
3. Sample Rewriting (in English)
Original: "The chief called all the people together because the river had dried up, and the women had no water to use. After long discussion, they decided to dig a well." Rewritten: "When the river dried up, the women lacked water, so the chief called a meeting, and the people agreed to dig a well."
The rewritten version keeps the same facts, and it puts them in time order. The main point is that the community solved its problem by working together. No new information has been added.
4. Accuracy
| Error | Solution |
|---|---|
| copying word for word | use your own words |
| adding opinions | keep to the text |
| leaving out main points | check your list |
| changing facts | compare with the original |
| poor spelling | proofread carefully |
Accuracy matters. Numbers, names and facts must remain correct. Changing one detail can change the meaning entirely. In your language, pay attention to letters that are often confused, and to correct word division. In Akan, for example, some words that look like one word in speech are written apart. Consult your teacher or a good dictionary when you are unsure.
New words
- logical order
- A sensible arrangement of ideas.
- accuracy
- Being correct in every detail.
- own words
- Your personal way of saying something.
- proofread
- To check writing for errors.
Summary
- Rewrite by finding main points and ordering them.
- Keep facts accurate and add no opinions.
- Proofread your language carefully.
Class activity: Rewrite Relay
- Read a paragraph in your language.
- Rewrite it without looking.
- Compare it with the original.
You need: Ghanaian-language storybook, Printed main-idea cards, Exercise books, Pencils
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Stories are usually rewritten in…
- A. time order
- B. size order
- C. colour order
- D. alphabetical order
Show answer
Answer: time orderOrder.2. Which is an error in rewriting?
- A. adding opinions
- B. using your own words
- C. checking facts
- D. keeping main points
Show answer
Answer: adding opinionsAccuracy.3. Facts should remain correct when rewriting.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueAccuracy.4. To check writing for errors is to ______.
Show answer
Answer: proofreadEditing.5. State the steps in rewriting.
Show answer
Answer: Read twice, find main points, order them and use your own words.Steps.6. Why might changing one detail matter?
Show answer
Answer: It can change the meaning of the whole text.Accuracy.
Homework
- Rewrite a short news story in your language in your own words.