Basic 9 · Ghanaian Language · Marriage Rites
Traditional and Contemporary Marriage, National Issues and Summary
In this topic you will compare traditional and contemporary marriage rites and dramatise both, discuss national issues fluently and summarise passages in a given number of sentences.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Compare traditional and contemporary marriage rites
- Discuss national issues fluently in your language
- Summarise passages in a given number of sentences
What you already know
- Marriage rites
- Main 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
- B9.1.1.1.3 – Compare and contrast the traditional marriage rites to the contemporary marriage rites and dramatize both
Introduction
A grandmother's wedding and a wedding today can look very different. Yet both try to do the same thing: start a family well.
1. What Has Changed?
| Aspect | Traditional | Contemporary |
|---|---|---|
| choice of partner | often by family | usually by the couple |
| ceremony | at the family house | hall, church or mosque |
| recording | witnesses | often also a certificate |
| dress | cloth and beads | kente, gowns and suits |
| publicity | word of mouth | invitation cards and social media |
| cost | gifts in kind | often high expenses |
2. Reasons for Change
Education, religion, urban living and technology have all changed marriage. Young people often meet at school, at work or online. Many couples hold a traditional ceremony, then a church or mosque ceremony, then a reception. Some families now hold all these on a single day to reduce costs. Marriage certificates give greater legal protection, especially in relation to property.
3. Benefits and Concerns
| Benefit | Concern |
|---|---|
| couples choose freely | loss of family support |
| legal protection | very high costs |
| women's rights are stronger | social media pressure |
| easier travel for families | some customs are forgotten |
Elaborate weddings can leave young couples in debt. Many elders advise that a marriage is more important than a wedding. Keep what is good in tradition, such as family involvement and advice, and drop what causes harm.
4. Dramatising Both
- Form two groups.
- Group A acts out a traditional marriage.
- Group B acts out a contemporary one.
- Use the correct language and titles.
- Compare the two performances.
Use your language throughout, and include proverbs, greetings and appropriate formal speech. Simple props such as cloth and drinks bottles (empty, or with water) will help. Treat the rites with respect, and remember that they are important to many people.
New words
- contemporary
- Belonging to the present time.
- traditional
- Handed down over time.
- reception
- A party after a wedding.
- certificate
- An official document.
Summary
- Marriage has changed through education, religion and technology.
- Change brings benefits and concerns.
- Dramatising both helps us to compare them.
Class activity: Marriage Drama
- Dramatise traditional and contemporary marriage.
- Use your language.
- Discuss the differences.
You need: Printed photographs of Ghanaian marriage rites, Traditional cloth sample, Calabash
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. "Contemporary" means…
- A. of the present time
- B. very old
- C. illegal
- D. foreign
Show answer
Answer: of the present timeVocabulary.2. Which is a concern about modern weddings?
- A. high costs
- B. better rights
- C. legal protection
- D. free choice
Show answer
Answer: high costsEvaluation.3. Marriage certificates give legal protection.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueLaw.4. A party after a wedding is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: receptionTerm.5. Give three changes in marriage.
Show answer
Answer: Couples choose partners, ceremonies are held in halls and certificates are used.Any three.6. What is meant by "a marriage is more important than a wedding"?
Show answer
Answer: The lifelong relationship matters more than the cost of one event.Values.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Listening & Speaking
- Sub-strand
- Conversation
- Indicator
- B9.2.1.1.3 – Use appropriate language orally to discuss grade-level national issues fluently
Introduction
Important national issues should not be discussed only in English. Your language can carry them too.
1. Language for Public Issues
Radio stations in Ghana discuss politics, health and the economy in Twi, Ga, Ewe and other languages daily. Presenters and guests have to find words for new ideas, such as "inflation" or "climate change". Listening to them will help you to build vocabulary. Use full sentences, speak clearly and avoid mixing in English when a word exists in your language.
2. Issues to Discuss
| Issue | Questions |
|---|---|
| illegal mining | How does it affect our rivers and farms? |
| road accidents | How can we reduce them? |
| teenage pregnancy | How can we support young people? |
| unemployment | What skills do young people need? |
| sanitation | Who is responsible for clean towns? |
3. Fluency
- Plan your main points.
- Learn key words on the topic.
- Speak at a steady pace.
- Link your ideas.
- Practise with a friend.
Fluency means speaking smoothly, without long pauses. It comes through practice. If you cannot find a word, explain the idea in another way. Don't stop. Use proverbs where they suit your argument, for they are persuasive to Ghanaian listeners. Look at your audience, and vary your tone of voice.
4. Discussing Sensitive Issues
Choose your words carefully. Avoid insulting any group, party or ethnic group. Use polite expressions for sensitive topics. On matters related to health or the body, use the respectful terms that an elder would use. Check your facts, and do not spread rumours. A speaker who is fair and well-informed is listened to with respect, whatever their age.
New words
- fluency
- Smooth, confident speech.
- rumour
- Information that has not been checked.
- persuasive
- Able to convince others.
- key word
- An important word on a topic.
Summary
- Ghanaian languages can discuss all national issues.
- Fluency comes from planning and practice.
- Discuss sensitive topics fairly and with care.
Class activity: Radio Panel
- Choose a national issue.
- Hold a mock radio discussion in your language.
- Record it if you can.
You need: Ghanaian newspaper, Printed discussion-topic cards, Talking stick
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Fluency means speaking…
- A. smoothly
- B. slowly with long pauses
- C. rudely
- D. never
Show answer
Answer: smoothlyTerm.2. If you cannot find a word, you should…
- A. explain the idea another way
- B. stop talking
- C. shout
- D. leave
Show answer
Answer: explain the idea another wayStrategy.3. Radio stations discuss issues in Ghanaian languages.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueMedia.4. Information that has not been checked is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: rumourTerm.5. Name three national issues.
Show answer
Answer: Illegal mining, road accidents and unemployment.Any three.6. Why are proverbs useful in discussing issues?
Show answer
Answer: They are persuasive and familiar to Ghanaian listeners.Style.
Lesson 3
- Strand
- Reading
- Sub-strand
- Reading
- Indicator
- B9.3.1.1.2 – Summarize passages read in given number of sentences
Introduction
Sometimes you are told to sum up a whole passage in just three sentences. This needs a clear method.
1. Summarising in a Given Number of Sentences
- Read the passage carefully.
- List the main points.
- Combine related points.
- Write each in one sentence.
- Check that you have the correct number.
- Read it for accuracy.
2. Sample Passage (in English)
Long ago, each town had its own way of settling quarrels. When two people disagreed, they went to the family head. If the matter was serious, it went to the chief. The elders listened to both sides, and they tried to bring peace, not to punish. The guilty person might offer a sheep or drinks, and both sides ate together. Today, many cases go to the courts, but families still prefer to settle their disputes at home, because they want to keep good relationships.
| Sentence | Main point |
|---|---|
| 1 | In the past, quarrels were taken to family heads and chiefs. |
| 2 | Elders listened to both sides and aimed at peace. |
| 3 | Families still prefer this, even though courts exist today. |
3. Tips for Summary
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| use your own words | copy sentences |
| keep main points | include examples |
| count your sentences | go over the limit |
| keep the same meaning | add your opinion |
4. Writing in Your Language
Use complete sentences with correct grammar. Use linking words to show how ideas connect, such as "enti" (so) and "nanso" (but) in Akan. Avoid long, confusing sentences that try to include everything. If you are told to use three sentences, using four will lose marks. Read your summary and ask whether someone who has not read the passage would understand the main idea.
New words
- summarise
- To give the main points briefly.
- combine
- To join together.
- limit
- The most that is allowed.
- dispute
- A disagreement.
Summary
- List main points and combine them.
- Keep to the number of sentences required.
- Use your own words, with no opinions.
Class activity: Three Sentences
- Read a passage in your language.
- Write a three-sentence summary.
- Compare with your partner's.
You need: Ghanaian-language storybook, Printed main-idea cards, Exercise books, Pencils
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A summary should…
- A. use your own words
- B. copy the passage
- C. add opinions
- D. be longer
Show answer
Answer: use your own wordsRule.2. In the passage, elders aimed at…
- A. peace
- B. punishment
- C. money
- D. moving away
Show answer
Answer: peacePassage.3. You should keep to the number of sentences required.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueLimit.4. A disagreement is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: disputeVocabulary.5. State two rules for writing a summary.
Show answer
Answer: Use your own words and leave out examples.Any two.6. Why do families still prefer settling disputes at home?
Show answer
Answer: They want to keep good relationships.Passage.
Homework
- Summarise a passage in your language in four sentences.