Ghana is a multilingual country with over 60 different languages spoken. However, the use of Ghanaian languages has been declining in recent years, especially among the youth. This is a worrying trend, as local languages are an important part of Ghanaian culture and identity. The introduction of Ghanaian Languages Day is a step in the right direction.
This day can be merged into International Mother Language Day, a global day for languages held every 21st of February.
How to promote Ghanaian Languages Day
One way to promote the use of local languages is to institute a local language day for Ghana. On this day, only local languages should be spoken everywhere in the country. This would be a symbolic day to celebrate the rich linguistic diversity of Ghana and to raise awareness of the importance of preserving local languages.
The Bureau of Languages, language experts, Ghanaian language students, and teachers of Ghanaian languages should be empowered to champion this project in cities, communities, offices, and everywhere.
The Bureau could work with schools, media outlets, and other organizations to promote the use of local languages on local language day.
The Bureau could also develop resources to help people learn and speak local languages.
Once the Local Language Day is celebrated over time, we can then upgrade the celebration to Local Language Week.
READ: I am scared, our Ghanaian languages are dying
Benefits of instituting Ghanaian languages
- It would promote the use of local languages and help to preserve Ghanaian culture and identity.
- It would raise awareness of the importance of linguistic diversity.
- It would encourage people to learn and speak local languages.
- It would be a day for Ghanaians to come together and celebrate their shared culture and heritage.
- On this day, businesses should be empowered and encouraged to use Ghanaian languages in their offices.
Some people may argue that instituting a local language day would be impractical or disruptive. However, it is important to remember that local languages are an important part of Ghanaian society. By taking one day to celebrate local languages, we can help to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Ghana.
I urge the Ghanaian government to institute a Ghanaian languages day for Ghana.
It is a small step that can make a big difference in promoting the use of local languages and preserving Ghanaian culture and identity.
Source: Wisdom Hammond