The need to promote the study of indigenous languages in Ghana

The need to promote the study of indigenous languages in Ghana

It is a pity that Ghana’s indigenous languages have been relegated to the background over the years. Ghanaian students are taught in the English Language which is also regarded as a lingua franca of the country. This is not too good enough. Though Ghana is a multilingual country, it is significant to promote the use of these indigenous languages.

Dr. Kwegyir Aggrey said, “He who is not proud of his colour is not fit to live”. It is to be admitted that there is no a true nationalist who can dispute the fact that every African ought to be proud of things that are African in nature and by creation. Our mother-tongue, as an integral aspect of our culture cannot be left in oblivion and forgotten completely. It is significant to mention that languages are associated with the culture and tradition of the people. Therefore, the adoption of other people’s languages as a medium of communication in Ghana indicates that we have relegated our culture and tradition to the background. This also implies that we have not, as a country, thrown away every relic of colonization. It is proved beyond doubt that any country that looses her language looses her culture and it is against this background that the call to lay emphasis on our native languages should be seen as a step in the right direction.

Surely, it is convincing to put forward that psychologists have justified that for learning to effectively take place, the brain must first acquire. Hence the first development of our brain goes with the acquisition of our mother-tongue before other things are taught. Undeniably, it is my contention to establish without a shade of doubt that the promotion of our native language will enable Ghanaian children to be conversant with their mother-tongues since taught and language can hardly be separated.

Logically, Ghana as a multilingual country can use one of her popular, flexible, and easiest languages as a medium of communication at all levels of education. Ironically, this cannot be possible since no ethnic group will sit unconcern for its unique culture to go into the dustbin. In spite of this, the government can promulgate a language policy as a matter of urgency where each ethnic group will be allowed to use its language in schools within its geographical location. Countries like Japan, China, Germany, and a myriad of others are using their languages in schools.

Besides, article twelve of the 1992 constitution of the land allows freedom of speech and expression. Therefore, it is lawful to say that English should not be a hindrance to anyone who wants to express his or her opinion on national affairs. Why do we have to promote the language of a foreign country at the expense of our mother-tongue?

Similarly, it must be conceded that our native language, if promoted, can be a potent unifying factor in Ghana. They enhance peaceful co-existence and tolerance among Ghanaians who will have a sense of belonging in the country. It is my firms belief that there is certainly much gainful sense in promoting our local languages.

Furthermore, the promotion of our mother-tongue is a leveler. It is an acknowledged fact that our native languages if used as a lingua franca will be spoken by both the rich, poor, noble, and peasants. It will bridge a yearning gap between the rich and poor as it is natural that the person one shares a language with is one’s brother. All hands should therefore be on deck to advocate for our local languages.

In a nutshell, it is unequivocal that if we use a foreign language at the expense of our mother-tongue, our beliefs, ideas, and other cherished aspects of our culture will be left in oblivion. It is therefore logical to suggest that a thorough foundation should be established for the promotion of our indigenous languages in the country.

 

 

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