Basic 9 · Ghanaian Language · Term Project
Term Project: Presenting and Reflecting
In this topic you will present your language and culture project, evaluate your work and reflect on your learning as you prepare for the B.E.C.E.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Present your project in your language
- Evaluate your work and that of others
- Prepare for the next stage of learning
What you already know
- Language and culture research
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
Today you become the teacher. Share what you have learned about your language and culture.
1. Holding a Culture Day
- Choose a date and place.
- Invite teachers, parents and elders.
- Arrange displays.
- Plan the order of events.
- Choose a master of ceremonies.
- Welcome the guests.
- Thank everyone at the end.
2. Master of Ceremonies
The master of ceremonies guides the event. He or she welcomes guests, introduces each item and keeps the programme moving. This person should use polite language, and know the correct titles of any elders or chiefs who are present. If a chief attends, follow the proper custom, such as speaking through a linguist if this is appropriate. Plan seating so that elders sit in places of honour.
3. Presenting Well
| Item | Question |
|---|---|
| greeting | Did you greet the audience properly? |
| language | Did you speak your language clearly? |
| content | Were your facts correct? |
| examples | Did you use proverbs or songs? |
| time | Did you keep to your time? |
Stay calm, and speak clearly. If you forget a word, pause and go on. Be ready for questions from elders, who may correct or add to what you say. Listen with respect, and thank them. Their comments are a valuable part of your learning.
4. Recording the Event
With permission, take photographs and record performances. These can form part of your portfolio, and they could help next year's learners. Write a short report on what took place, in your language. Note down any new information you learned from guests. Keep copies of your work in the school library, so that others can use what you have collected.
5. Thanking Those Who Helped
Show gratitude to all who helped, including elders, teachers, families and classmates. In Ghanaian culture, saying thank you is more than good manners. It builds relationships for the future. You could visit your informants and show them your finished work, so that they can see how their knowledge has been used and enjoy the results.
New words
- master of ceremonies
- The person who guides an event.
- programme
- The planned order of an event.
- portfolio
- A collection of a person's work.
- gratitude
- Being thankful.
Summary
- A culture day shares your work with the community.
- The master of ceremonies guides the event with polite language.
- Record the event and thank those who helped.
Class activity: Culture Day
- Present your projects.
- Serve as guides or ushers.
- Thank the guests.
You need: Printed Ghanaian-language review cards, Exercise books, Pencils, Chalkboard, Chalk
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. The person who guides an event is the…
- A. master of ceremonies
- B. cook
- C. driver
- D. visitor
Show answer
Answer: master of ceremoniesRole.2. If elders correct you, you should…
- A. listen and thank them
- B. argue loudly
- C. walk away
- D. laugh
Show answer
Answer: listen and thank themRespect.3. Elders should sit in places of honour.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueCustom.4. The planned order of an event is the ______.
Show answer
Answer: programmeTerm.5. Give three steps in organising a culture day.
Show answer
Answer: Choose a date, invite guests and arrange displays.Any three.6. Why show your informants your finished work?
Show answer
Answer: It thanks them and shows how their knowledge has been used.Gratitude.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Listening & Speaking
- Sub-strand
- Term Project
Introduction
Look back at what you have achieved, and then look ahead to the examination that awaits you.
1. Evaluating the Project
| Criterion | Question |
|---|---|
| research | Was the information accurate? |
| language | Was the language correct and natural? |
| presentation | Was it clear and respectful? |
| culture | Did it show understanding? |
| teamwork | Did all members contribute? |
2. Term Summary
| Area | Key ideas |
|---|---|
| customs | marriage stages, roles, comparing, change |
| speaking | register, linking ideas, national issues |
| reading | main points, translation, summary |
| grammar | plural nouns, adjective position |
| writing | narrative and descriptive |
| literature | drum language, appellations, war songs |
3. Preparing for the B.E.C.E.
The Ghanaian language paper tests comprehension, grammar, composition and literature, including set texts where required. Read in your language every day. Practise past questions. Learn the correct spelling of common words, and study set books if your teacher gives you any. Write short compositions and have them marked. Check rules for plurals, adjectives and word division.
4. Your Language and Your Future
Many careers need strong Ghanaian language skills. Teaching, journalism, translation, interpreting, broadcasting, advertising, nursing and politics all value them. At senior high school, you may continue with your language as a subject. Beyond this, universities such as the University of Education, Winneba, train teachers of Ghanaian languages. Whatever you do, your own language is an important part of who you are.
5. Keep Speaking
During the holidays, read a book in your language and visit your elders. Ask them about proverbs and stories, and write them down. Listen to local-language news. Teach a younger child a folk tale. Each time you use your language well, you help to keep it alive. A language dies when its speakers stop using it, and it lives when young people are proud of it.
6. A Final Thought
Thank your teacher and your group. Keep your project safe, as it records what you have learned from your community and may help learners who come after you.
6. Well Done
You have reached the end of a demanding term. Be proud of what you have collected and learned.
New words
- set text
- A book chosen for study.
- interpreter
- A person who translates speech.
- journalism
- The work of reporting news.
- comprehension
- Understanding what is read.
Summary
- Evaluate your project using clear criteria.
- Revise all areas for the B.E.C.E.
- Your language skills support your future.
Class activity: Term Reflection
- Evaluate your project.
- List two strengths and two weaknesses.
- Write a revision plan.
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 translates speech is an…
- A. interpreter
- B. audience
- C. author
- D. adjective
Show answer
Answer: interpreterCareers.2. Which job uses Ghanaian language skills?
- A. radio broadcasting
- B. deep-sea diving only
- C. none
- D. welding only
Show answer
Answer: radio broadcastingCareers.3. Reading daily helps in the examination.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueRevision.4. A book chosen for study is a set ______.
Show answer
Answer: textTerm.5. State three areas tested in the examination.
Show answer
Answer: Comprehension, grammar and composition.Any three.6. How do young people keep a language alive?
Show answer
Answer: By using it, reading it and being proud of it.Language.
Homework
- Write a reflection of about 100 words on your language and culture project.