Basic 9 · Ghanaian Language · Term Preparation
Preparing for the Term in Ghanaian Language
In this topic you will prepare for the term by recalling your skills in the Ghanaian language you study, and by exploring how language carries culture, history and values.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Recall the skills studied in Ghanaian Language
- Explain why Ghanaian languages matter
- Plan a language and culture project
What you already know
- Ghanaian Language, Basic 8
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
- Term Preparation
Introduction
A language is more than words. It holds the jokes, proverbs, history and wisdom of the people who speak it.
1. Why Study a Ghanaian Language?
Ghana has more than fifty languages. Those studied in schools include Akuapem Twi, Asante Twi, Fante, Ga, Dangme, Ewe, Nzema, Dagbani, Dagaare, Gonja and Kasem. These notes are written in English, and their examples are mostly from Akan (Twi), so that all learners can follow them. Your teacher will help you to apply each idea to the language you study. Learning to read and write your own language well strengthens your identity, and research suggests it also helps you to learn other languages, including English.
2. Skills in This Subject
| Area | What it covers |
|---|---|
| customs and institutions | marriage rites and social life |
| listening and speaking | conversation and register |
| reading | comprehension, summary and translation |
| language and usage | nouns, adjectives and grammar |
| composition writing | narrative and descriptive writing |
| literature | drum language, appellations and war songs |
3. Language and Respect
Ghanaian languages show respect in their greetings and forms of address. In Akan, a younger person greets an elder first, and uses titles such as "Agya" (father) and "Ɛna" (mother) as a sign of respect, even for those who are not their parents. A response such as "Yoo" acknowledges what has been said. When you learn a language, you also learn its manners. A speaker who has the words but not the manners has learned only half of the language.
4. Proverbs and Wisdom
Proverbs are short sayings that carry the wisdom of a people. Elders use them to teach and advise. A well-known Akan proverb says, "Tikorɔ nkɔ agyina", meaning that one head does not hold a council. In other words, it is wise to seek other people's advice. Each Ghanaian language has its own store of proverbs, and those who use them well are admired as skilful speakers. Collect some from elders in your community, and find out when they are used.
5. Language in Daily Life
Ghanaian languages are used on radio, on television and in markets, churches and mosques. Many jobs need people who can use them well, including broadcasting, teaching, translation, nursing and advertising. So your skill in your own language can be useful in your working life, as well as being a source of pride.
New words
- culture
- The way of life of a people.
- identity
- Who a person or group is.
- proverb
- A short saying that carries wisdom.
- greeting
- Words said on meeting someone.
Summary
- Ghana has many languages that carry culture and history.
- Language and manners are learned together.
- Ghanaian language skills are useful in many jobs.
Class activity: Language Map
- List the languages spoken in your class.
- Mark where each is spoken on a map of Ghana.
- Share one proverb from your language.
You need: Printed Ghanaian-language review cards, Exercise books, Pencils, Chalkboard, Chalk
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which is a Ghanaian language?
- A. Ewe
- B. French
- C. Swahili
- D. Hausa only
Show answer
Answer: EweGhana.2. "Tikorɔ nkɔ agyina" teaches that…
- A. we should seek advice
- B. we should sleep
- C. heads are heavy
- D. we should walk alone
Show answer
Answer: we should seek adviceProverb.3. Proverbs carry the wisdom of a people.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueWisdom.4. A short saying that carries wisdom is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: proverbTerm.5. Name three Ghanaian languages studied in schools.
Show answer
Answer: Twi, Ewe and Ga.Any three.6. Why is it said that language and manners go together?
Show answer
Answer: Languages have forms of greeting and address that show respect, so learning one includes learning the other.Culture.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Listening & Speaking
- Sub-strand
- Term Preparation
Introduction
The best way to learn about your language is to go out and listen to the people who use it best.
1. What We Will Study
| Theme | Topics |
|---|---|
| customs | marriage rites in your culture and others |
| speaking | register, linking ideas, national issues |
| reading | main points, translation, summary |
| grammar | nouns and adjectives |
| writing | narrative and descriptive writing |
| literature | drum language and war songs |
2. Collecting Language from the Community
Elders, chiefs' linguists, drummers and market women are living sources of language. Ask them about proverbs, folk tales, praise names and old words. Plan your questions first, and greet the person properly. Ask for permission before you record, and write down the name of the speaker and where you met them. Some knowledge is sacred or private, so respect those who decline to share it.
3. Reading and Writing
Many learners can speak their language well, but they find it hard to read and write it. Spelling rules are different from those of English, and some languages have letters that English does not have, such as ɛ and ɔ in Akan, or ŋ in Ga, Ewe and Dagbani. Practise these letters carefully. Reading Bibles, newspapers and storybooks in your language will help you. The Bureau of Ghana Languages has published many books in Ghanaian languages, and your school library might have some.
4. Project Ideas
| Project | Output |
|---|---|
| proverb book | a collection with meanings |
| recorded interview | a talk with an elder |
| drama | a short play in your language |
| poster | a guide to greetings |
| radio talk | a short programme |
5. Setting Goals
Set two goals for this term. You might aim to learn ten new proverbs, or to read one book in your language. Write them in your notebook, and review them each month. Remember that the B.E.C.E. tests reading, grammar, writing and literature, so you should practise all of them. Speak your language accurately at home, and do not be ashamed of it. Mixing it with English is common, but try to find the proper word when you can.
New words
- linguist
- A chief's spokesperson.
- folk tale
- A traditional story.
- permission
- Agreement to do something.
- spelling
- The correct order of letters in a word.
Summary
- Elders and community members are rich sources of language.
- Practise reading and writing as well as speaking.
- Set clear goals for the term.
Class activity: Interview Plan
- Choose an elder to interview.
- Prepare five questions.
- Practise greeting them respectfully.
You need: Printed Ghanaian-language review cards, Exercise books, Pencils, Chalkboard, Chalk
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which letter is used in Akan?
- A. ɔ
- B. q
- C. x
- D. z
Show answer
Answer: ɔAlphabet.2. Who published many books in Ghanaian languages?
- A. Bureau of Ghana Languages
- B. Bank of Ghana
- C. Ghana Post
- D. ECG
Show answer
Answer: Bureau of Ghana LanguagesPublisher.3. You should ask permission before recording someone.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueRespect.4. A traditional story is a folk ______.
Show answer
Answer: taleLiterature.5. Name three sources of language in a community.
Show answer
Answer: Elders, drummers and market women.Any three.6. Why might some speakers find writing their language difficult?
Show answer
Answer: They may have had little practice, and its spelling and letters differ from English.Literacy.
Homework
- Collect three proverbs from an elder and write their meanings.