Urgent Call to Preserve Indigenous Languages in Ghana
The School of Languages at the University of Ghana is sounding the alarm over the rapid decline of the country’s indigenous languages, emphasizing the need for immediate and coordinated efforts to safeguard these vital cultural assets.
In today’s digital age, the threat is not just a matter of cultural preservation; it raises significant concerns regarding inequality in education and access to technology. The School highlighted that the fast-paced advancements in technology, combined with insufficient mother-tongue education, could further marginalize local languages unless proactive measures are implemented.
During a recent forum, organized by the School in partnership with United Nations Ghana and the African Women Leaders Network Ghana, discussions were centered around the theme: “Youth Voices, Multilingual Education and the Role of Technology in Advancing Linguistic Justice.” The event aimed to elevate the conversation about the intersection of language, technology, and cultural identity through the eyes of the youth.
Professor Isaac Wiafe from the Department of Computer Science took the stage to address the intricate relationship between technology and linguistic justice. He posed a pressing question: “How can African languages be empowered rather than sidelined in the increasingly digital landscape, especially as AI technologies shape communication and education?”
Despite the potential of artificial intelligence to revolutionize various sectors, less than one percent of African languages feature prominently in AI systems and natural language processing. This glaring gap risks leaving billions of speakers of these languages digitally excluded, thus perpetuating a cycle of inequity.
Participants at the forum highlighted that AI itself is not inherently biased but reflects the data on which it is trained. Without a wealth of high-quality digital content available in Ghanaian dialects and other African languages, AI tools predominantly uphold and amplify the dominance of global languages like English. This trend exacerbates the visibility of major languages while pushing local vernaculars further into obscurity.
Professor Josephine Dzahene Quarshie, speaking on behalf of the University of Ghana’s Vice-Chancellor, emphasized the educational importance of mother-tongue instruction. She asserted that learning in a familiar language is not merely about preserving cultural identity; it lays a strong foundation for effective education. Research has shown that children fare better academically when taught in a language they understand. Yet alarmingly, nearly 40 percent of learners globally lack access to education in their native tongues.
Zia Choudhury, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the crucial role of language in accomplishing inclusive education. He encouraged educational frameworks to consider the perspectives of learners and prioritize instruction in languages they comprehend best.
“Language barriers contribute to poor comprehension, weak literacy and numeracy skills, and ultimately deepen inequality, particularly among rural and marginalized children,” Mr. Choudhury conveyed. He advocated for sustained investments in multilingual education and digital inclusion to ensure that all students can thrive.
As Ghana faces the dual challenges of technological advancement and language preservation, the voices gathered at this forum collectively call for urgent action. Participants hope that their recommendations will resonate with policymakers, educators, and tech developers, inspiring a united approach to safeguard linguistic heritage for future generations.
By addressing these pressing issues, Ghana can create a more inclusive educational environment that allows indigenous languages not only to survive but to thrive in the digital age.
As the importance of culture and language becomes ever more apparent in a globalized world, the need for strategic investments and innovative solutions takes on greater urgency. The onus is now on stakeholders at every level to prioritize the preservation of Ghana’s rich linguistic tapestry.
— Reported by Nexio News
