Linguistic Expert: Non documented languages will soon fade out

The Head of Linguistics at the University of Ghana Legon, Prof. Kofi Agyekum says the non documented Ghanaian languages are on the verge of fading out, if proper measures are not taken to preserve and promote them.

The United Nations has estimated that about half of the world’s 6,000 languages are endangered and might fade out.

But Prof. Agyakum, popularly known as “Opanyin Agyakum” says out of the 45 of the about 200 languages in Ghana documented, only 11 are taught in the classroom.

He therefore warned that many languages in the country may soon collapse.

Opanyin Agyekum in an interview on Adom News suggested that the educational system should be reviewed, to make way for the compulsory teaching of local languages at the Senior High Schools.

He said “it is virtually nonsense” for the education system to require a pass in English as a basis in entering the tertiary level.

He tasked the media, especially radio stations to have a special bulletin for local language.

The Linguistics Expert says Ghanaians should be proud of their language and encourage their children to study their mother tongues.

Meanwhile the Kontihene of Sunyani in the Brong Ahafo Region, Nana Boamponsem admits that the “Bono” language may soon fade out because the Chiefs do not speak the language.

He says most people are not proud of their language hence very soon the language will collapse.



Story by Samuel Mantey/Adom News