SAVING THE GA-DANGME LANGUAGE FROM EXTINCTION – A CORROBORATIVE STUDY

Abstract

<p>This corroborative study is based on research findings by Obeng Gyasi’s (1997) ‘An analysis of the linguistic situation in Ghana,’ and Akpanglo-Nartey & Akpanglo-Nartey’s, ‘Some Endangered Languages of Ghana’ (2012). Three indigenous Ghanaian Languages (<em>Ewutu-Efutu, Ga </em>and<em> Dangme</em>) were studied by Akpanglo-Nartey (2012) and the conclusion was that “<em>a lot of the indigenous languages of Ghana are in danger and could even be lost in the next few generations</em>”. Again, Obeng Gyasi (1997: 78) in his concluding remarks stated that, “<em>in fact, there are quite a number of Ghanaian languages that one can conveniently label as threatened or embattled</em>”. To ascertain the extent of damage done to both Ga and Dangme Languages, the researchers used <em>UNESCO Language Vitality & Endangerment Assessment Tool (2003)</em><strong> </strong>to assess the Ga-Dangme Language along two dominant languages used in Ghana; <em>Akan</em> and <em>English Language</em>. Observation was used as a tool to collect data and then analysed qualitatively. The results confirmed that indeed, the Ga-Dangme Language is ‘<em>definitely endangered</em>’ because the language is used mostly by very few speakers, of parental generation up. Finally, the paper suggests ways in which Ga-Dangme could be preserved from further damage or loss. Ultimately, this paper has implications for further research on language extinction.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0999/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>