Basic 9 · Ghanaian Language · Term Project

Term Project: Language and Culture Research

In this topic you will apply the term's learning through language and culture project work, by researching a topic and preparing it through speaking, reading and writing.

By the end of these notes you should be able to:

Plan a language and culture project
Collect information from the community
Prepare a written or spoken product in your language

What you already know

All topics covered in Ghanaian Language this term

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 Project

Introduction

This project lets you become a researcher of your own culture. The experts are the elders around you.

1. Project Options

Project options

Option	Task
marriage booklet	describe the rites in your community
drum text collection	record and explain drum phrases
appellation album	collect praise names and their meanings
war songs	record songs and explain them
proverb book	collect and explain proverbs
drama	write and perform a marriage scene

2. Planning

Choose a topic and a group.
List your questions.
Decide who you will ask.
Share out the tasks.
Agree on a timetable.
Discuss your plan with your teacher.

Choose a topic that interests you and that you can research locally. Some topics may need permission from family heads or chiefs. Ask politely, with the help of a parent or a teacher, and follow local customs. For a visit to a palace, you may need to bring a small gift or a drink, as custom requires, and your teacher can advise you.

Students interviewing an elder

Figure 1: Interviewing an elder Write five interview questions in your language.

3. Collecting Information

Interview elders, musicians, spokespersons and others with knowledge. Record their words accurately. If you use a phone to record, ask first. Write the name of the person, the date and the place. Ask about the meaning of difficult words. Remember that elders may give different versions, and that this is normal in oral tradition. Note the differences rather than deciding that one is wrong.

4. Using Written Sources

Books, the Bureau of Ghana Languages, and reputable websites may also help. Compare what they say with what you heard. University researchers such as J.H. Kwabena Nketia wrote important studies on Akan drumming and funeral dirges, and your teacher might have access to such works. Always give credit to your sources. Copying without credit is dishonest.

5. Writing Up

Write your work in your language, with clear headings. Use proper spelling and special letters. Have a partner check it. Include a short introduction that explains why the topic matters, and a conclusion that says what you have learned. Your finished work could become a useful resource for younger learners at your school.

New words

research: Careful study to find facts.
informant: A person who gives information.
version: One form of a story.
credit: Naming a source.

Summary

Choose a local topic and plan your questions.
Interview with respect and record accurately.
Use your language and credit your sources.

Class activity: Project Launch

Choose a topic.
Write your questions.
Agree on who will do what.

You need: Printed Ghanaian-language review cards, Exercise books, Pencils, Chalkboard, Chalk

Exercises

Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.

1. A person who gives information is an…
- A. informant
- B. adjective
- C. audience
- D. article
Show answer
Answer: informantTerm.
2. Different versions of oral tradition are…
- A. normal
- B. always errors
- C. forbidden
- D. rare
Show answer
Answer: normalOral tradition.
3. You should ask before recording someone.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueRespect.
4. Careful study to find facts is ______.
Show answer
Answer: researchTerm.
5. Name three project options.
Show answer
Answer: A proverb book, a drum text collection and a drama.Any three.
6. Why should you record the name, date and place?
Show answer
Answer: So that your source is clear and your work can be trusted.Records.

Lesson 2

Strand: Listening & Speaking
Sub-strand: Term Project

Introduction

Your research should be shared. A good presentation in your language can bring your findings to life.

1. Choosing a Format

Presentation formats

Format	Example
talk	a five-minute talk
drama	a marriage scene
performance	a war song or praise poem
radio programme	a recorded interview
exhibition	posters with a guide

2. Preparing the Script

Write your main points in your language. Use a formal register, with a respectful greeting to your audience. Begin by stating your topic, and explain why you chose it. Share your main findings, with examples. Use proverbs where they fit. End by thanking those who helped you. Keep to the time limit. Practise so that you can speak with few notes.

3. Using Voice and Body

Performance skills

Skill	Advice
voice	speak clearly and loudly enough
pace	do not rush
tone	match the mood
gesture	use hands naturally
eye contact	look at the audience

Students performing a traditional song

Figure 2: Traditional performance Practise your talk with a partner.

4. Rehearsing

Rehearse as a group, and ask others for feedback. Are you easy to hear? Are your words clear? Does your tone suit the topic? If you are performing a song or a drum text, check its meaning and be respectful. Some songs have sacred or historical uses, and you should ask an elder whether it is appropriate to perform them in school.

5. Using Materials

Bring objects that help your talk, such as a drum, a piece of cloth or photographs. Label them in your language. Make sure that you borrow items respectfully, and that you return them safely. Display your work with neat headings. A clear poster with key terms and their meanings will help your audience, particularly those who speak a different language.

6. Sharing the Work

Each member should speak or perform. Decide who will open, who will explain the main findings and who will answer questions. Everyone should know the whole presentation, in case a member is absent.

New words

format: The form a presentation takes.
rehearse: To practise for a performance.
eye contact: Looking at people as you speak.
sacred: Holy or deeply respected.

Summary

Choose a format and prepare your script.
Use your voice and gestures well.
Rehearse, and treat cultural items with respect.

Class activity: Rehearsal

Practise your presentation.
Give each other feedback.
Improve one thing.

You need: Printed Ghanaian-language review cards, Exercise books, Pencils, Chalkboard, Chalk

Exercises

Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.

1. To practise for a performance is to…
- A. rehearse
- B. research
- C. rewrite
- D. retire
Show answer
Answer: rehearseTerm.
2. Before performing a sacred song, you should…
- A. ask an elder
- B. do nothing
- C. change the words
- D. sell tickets
Show answer
Answer: ask an elderRespect.
3. Eye contact helps a speaker.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueDelivery.
4. Holy or deeply respected means ______.
Show answer
Answer: sacredTerm.
5. Name three performance skills.
Show answer
Answer: Voice, pace and gesture.Any three.
6. Why should a talk begin with a respectful greeting?
Show answer
Answer: It follows custom and earns the audience's goodwill.Culture.

Homework

Complete your script and practise it at home.