Basic 9 · Ghanaian Language · Nouns
Nouns in Texts, Writing Stories and Appellations
In this topic you will study singular and plural nouns in abstract texts, write extended narratives with linked paragraphs and explore appellations.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Identify nouns in a range of texts
- Write an extended narrative
- Explain and use appellations
What you already know
- Nouns
- Drum language
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
- Nouns
- Indicator
- B9.4.2.1.1 – Discuss nouns under singular and plural forms in an increasing and abstract range of texts
Introduction
Noticing how nouns behave in real texts helps you to write your own language with confidence.
1. Types of Nouns
| Type | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| common | sukuu | school |
| proper | Kwame, Kumasi | names |
| abstract | nyansa | wisdom |
| collective | abusua | family or clan |
| mass | nsuo | water |
Proper nouns begin with a capital letter, in Ghanaian languages as in English. Collective nouns name a group. Abstract nouns name ideas and feelings. These categories can help you to decide whether a noun takes a plural, and how it behaves in a sentence.
2. Abstract Nouns in Texts
Abstract nouns are frequently used in proverbs and in formal speech. Words for wisdom, truth, patience and love appear in sermons, advice and songs. In Akan, many abstract nouns are formed from verbs and adjectives, and it is worth noticing this. "Anigyeɛ" means joy, and "ahoɔden" means strength. As you read, list the abstract nouns you meet, with their meanings.
3. Agreement in Sentences
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| Abofra no reba. (The child is coming.) | Mmofra no reba. (The children are coming.) |
| Aboa no da. (The animal is sleeping.) | Mmoa no da. (The animals are sleeping.) |
In Akan, "no" comes after the noun and serves like "the". Notice that the verb does not change here, but in some forms, a subject marker changes to show the number. Compare "ɔreba" (he or she is coming) with "wɔreba" (they are coming). Study how your language shows this.
4. Using a Dictionary
A good dictionary shows you the correct spelling of a noun, and often its plural form too. If your school has one, learn how to use it. Otherwise, ask your teacher and check printed books. Do not rely only on how a word sounds, for spoken forms vary between dialects. Akuapem and Asante Twi and Fante differ in some words and spellings, and you should write in the form that you are studying.
New words
- collective noun
- A word naming a group.
- abstract noun
- A word for an idea.
- dialect
- A form of a language in one area.
- subject marker
- A part of a verb showing who acts.
Summary
- Nouns may be common, proper, abstract, collective or mass.
- Agreement can be shown through markers on the verb.
- Use dictionaries, and write in the correct dialect.
Class activity: Noun Hunt
- Read a page in your language.
- List the nouns by type.
- Give the plurals where possible.
You need: Calabash, Woven basket, Printed noun cards
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. "Abusua" is a…
- A. collective noun
- B. verb
- C. adjective
- D. number
Show answer
Answer: collective nounGroup.2. In Akan, "no" after a noun means…
- A. the
- B. and
- C. but
- D. not
Show answer
Answer: theGrammar.3. Proper nouns begin with a capital letter.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueWriting.4. A form of a language in one area is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: dialectTerm.5. Give the plural of "Abofra no reba".
Show answer
Answer: Mmofra no reba.Sentence.6. Why should you check the dialect when writing?
Show answer
Answer: Words and spellings vary, and you should use the form you are studying.Standard.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Composition Writing
- Sub-strand
- Narrative 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
Longer stories need careful planning, so that the reader stays interested from the first line to the last.
1. Developing a Plot
A strong story has a clear problem. Your main character wants something, and something stands in the way. Build the tension step by step, then bring it to a climax. Finish with a satisfying ending. You can write from your own life, or you can base your story on a proverb, such as a tale that shows that "one head does not hold a council".
2. Sample Plan
| Paragraph | Content |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kofi, a proud young farmer, refuses all advice. |
| 2 | Elders warn him about farming near the river. |
| 3 | He plants there anyway. |
| 4 | The floods destroy the crop. |
| 5 | He asks forgiveness and listens to the elders. |
3. Starting and Ending Well
Begin in an interesting way. A traditional opening can work well. In many Ghanaian communities, a storyteller begins with a set call, and the audience replies with a set response. This draws the listeners in, so ask an elder for the words used in your language. You could also begin with a moment of action. Your ending should show what has changed, and it may state the moral.
4. Editing Your Story
- Read it aloud.
- Check that each paragraph has a clear point.
- Check linking words.
- Check nouns and plurals.
- Check tenses.
- Check spelling and special letters.
Good writers revise. If a paragraph seems weak, rewrite it. Replace English words with words in your language if you know them. Keep the story moving, and do not repeat yourself. A story of about 250 words is a good length for practice, and you should plan to finish it in an examination with time to check.
New words
- tension
- A feeling of worry about what will happen.
- climax
- The turning point of a story.
- opening
- The start of a story.
- revise
- To improve what has been written.
Summary
- A strong story has a clear problem and ending.
- Plan your paragraphs before you write.
- Revise, and check your language.
Class activity: Proverb Story
- Choose a proverb.
- Plan a story that illustrates it.
- Write the story.
You need: Printed Ghanaian-language model text, Exercise books, Pencils
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. The turning point of a story is the…
- A. climax
- B. opening
- C. title
- D. page
Show answer
Answer: climaxPlot.2. In the plan, what teaches Kofi a lesson?
- A. the flood
- B. the market
- C. a song
- D. a letter
Show answer
Answer: the floodPlan.3. Stories can be based on proverbs.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueIdea.4. To improve what has been written is to ______.
Show answer
Answer: reviseEditing.5. State three things to check when editing.
Show answer
Answer: Linking words, tenses and spelling.Any three.6. Why should a story have a clear problem?
Show answer
Answer: It creates tension and keeps the reader interested.Plot.
Lesson 3
- Strand
- Literature
- Sub-strand
- Literature
- Indicator
- B9.6.1.1.1 – Explore drum language/appellations and war songs respectively
Introduction
A chief, a town or a clan may have praise names that recall their greatness. Hearing them can stir great pride.
1. What Are Appellations?
Appellation: A praise name or title that describes a person's, a people's or a group's qualities.
In Akan, appellations are known as mmrane. They are used to honour people and to recall the deeds of their ancestors. They are recited by spokespersons, sung by praise singers and played by drummers. Appellations use poetic language, and they may compare a person to a lion, a great tree or a river.
2. Examples
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Kotoko | porcupine, a symbol of the Asante |
| Kum apem a, apem bɛba | Kill a thousand, and a thousand will come |
| Osagyefo | redeemer, a title given to Kwame Nkrumah |
| Katakyie | a brave one |
The porcupine is an emblem of Asante, as it fights with thousands of quills. This suggests that the Asante nation is ready for battle, however many fall. You may have heard this in the name of Asante Kotoko football club. Titles such as Osagyefo show that praise names continue to be used in modern life.
3. Features of Appellations
| Feature | Example |
|---|---|
| comparison | a lion among men |
| repetition | repeated praise words |
| exaggeration | one who shakes the earth |
| history | references to ancestors and victories |
4. Using Appellations
Appellations should be used with respect. They may be spoken when welcoming a chief, thanking an elder or addressing a family by clan. Some people use them when greeting: many Ghanaians respond warmly when addressed with a family praise name. Find out the appellations of your own clan, town or chief. Ask an elder what they mean, and write them down. They are valuable pieces of oral history, and they show the poetry within everyday culture.
New words
- appellation
- A praise name.
- mmrane
- The Akan word for appellations.
- emblem
- A symbol of a group.
- praise singer
- A performer who sings a person's praises.
Summary
- Appellations honour people and recall history.
- They use comparison, repetition and exaggeration.
- They should be used with respect.
Class activity: Our Appellation
- Create an appellation for your class.
- Use comparison and repetition.
- 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. The Akan word for appellations is…
- A. mmrane
- B. aware
- C. atumpan
- D. ayeforo
Show answer
Answer: mmraneTerm.2. The porcupine is an emblem of the…
- A. Asante
- B. Ewe
- C. Ga
- D. Dagomba
Show answer
Answer: AsanteEmblem.3. Appellations recall history.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueOral history.4. A praise name is an ______.
Show answer
Answer: appellationTerm.5. Give the meaning of "Kum apem a, apem bɛba".
Show answer
Answer: Kill a thousand, and a thousand will come.Meaning.6. Why are appellations important?
Show answer
Answer: They preserve history and honour people through poetic language.Value.
Homework
- Find the appellation of your clan or town and explain it.