The Member of Parliament for Klottey Korley Constituency, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has advocated the teaching of local languages in Ghanaian Universities.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings made this call when she spoke at the launch of the 11th edition of the Spelling Bee Competition in Accra.
She said, the inclusion of Ghanaian languages in the country’s universities will serve as motivation for Ghanaians to want to learn them.
According to Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings, Ghanaians are losing their language and cultural identity due to the negative impact of globalization.
She said, one who does not appreciate the value of diversity of language is always hindered one way or the other.
Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings emphasized the significance of knowing the Ghanaian language by saying, “language is important because it conveys the spirit of a thing.”
She used herself as an example by saying her name, Zanetor, means ‘darkness must seize’.
According to Dr. Rawlings, her mother-tongue – the Ewe language, like other Ghanaian languages is tonal, and meanings are misconstrued when words and names are mispronounced.
She also advocated for the creation of more Ghanaian language dictionaries in order to aid its learning and appreciation.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings implored people especially, young ladies to take Ghanaian languages to heart, so they will be able to pass it on to their children so as to help keep Ghana’s identity alive.
