Let’s preserve our linguistic heritage

Ghana's rich cultural diversity reflects its numerous indigenous languages, unique history, customs and traditions. 

Each of the over 100 languages spoken in the country represents a unique aspect of the nation's diversity.

However, some of these languages are facing an unprecedented threat of extinction, especially among younger generations who are increasingly preferring English and other international languages to indigenous ones.

This, in part, is due to the country's language policy, which prioritises English and a few dominant local languages over the minority ones.

It is imperative that we take immediate action to preserve our linguistic heritage and promote the use of indigenous languages in our daily lives.

The current language policy, which introduces English as the medium of instruction from Primary One, is a recipe for disaster. It does not only alienate children from their cultural roots but also undermines the very fabric of our society.

 If we keep on neglecting our indigenous languages, we risk losing the wisdom, knowledge and traditions passed down through generations.

For instance, in 1970, almost all Winneba natives spoke Efutu as their first language. By 2010, 40 years later, only approximately 50 per cent of children born to Winneba natives speak Efutu as a first language. And even alarmingly, about 30 per cent of these children speak no Efutu at all.

This cannot be right by any measure as research has shown that children who are taught in their indigenous languages tend to perform better academically and have a stronger sense of cultural identity.

This approach is often referred to as "mother tongue-based education”. According to experts, children learn more effectively when taught in a language they speak at home, leading to improved understanding and retention.

This approach also fosters an enhanced cultural connection, as indigenous languages are often deeply tied to a community's culture and traditions. 

Additionally, students are more likely to feel proud of their heritage and identity, leading to increased self-esteem. 

Studies have also shown that students taught in their mother tongue tend to outperform those taught in a second language, while teaching in indigenous languages helps to preserve cultural diversity and promote multilingualism.

However, our policy's emphasis on a few dominant languages perpetuates linguistic inequality and marginalises smaller language groups. This not only threatens the survival of these languages but also erodes the cultural identity of their speakers.

To address this issue, we need a language policy that values and promotes linguistic diversity. We must recognise the importance of indigenous languages in our education system, media and public services.

We need to invest in language documentation, education and cultural programmes that celebrate our linguistic heritage.

The Daily Graphic would support efforts that are made to document and promote local languages through education and community programmes. For instance, we encourage schools to incorporate local languages in the communities they operate in into their curricula, while we encourage community groups to develop language learning materials and organise cultural events to promote their indigenous languages and culture.

In today’s world, technology is playing a role, with language learning apps and online platforms helping to make local languages more accessible. We must take advantage of these opportunities and promote our local languages, especially those at risk of falling out of use.

We, therefore, urge the Bureau of Ghana Languages, which was established by the Vernacular Literature Board Ordinance No. 27 of 1951 (CAP 119), to rise up to its mandate.

The Daily Graphic would like to remind stakeholders that the Bureau of Ghana Languages exists to promote the preservation of Ghanaian languages and culture through the publication, certification and usage of world-class systems, technology and collaborations with local and international partners.

We must hold the bureau to account as its failure to achieve its objectives would lead to the extinction of our local languages, some of which are less spoken today.

The time to act is now. We owe it to ourselves, our children and future generations to preserve the rich linguistic diversity that makes Ghana unique. Let us work together to create a language policy that promotes inclusiveness, diversity and a cultural pride.