In Ghana where English language is a colonial legacy, people tease and ridicule others because of perceived inability to speak perfect English. Many people are looked down upon or even demeaned because they cannot
speak “correct” English.

People’s intelligence and very humanity are measured through their ability to speak English? Why? Where is that from? Mental slavery? Inferiority complex? Internalized racism or self-hatred for our own heritage?

Talk about a need to adopt a Ghanaian language as official medium of communication, instruction or as national language for national pride and identity, and the opposition would be Ghanaians. Often excuses include:
1. “Abrofo” (foreigners/whites) will not be able to participate in our activities, understand us or do business with us when they travel to Ghana.

2. We have too many languages; it would be difficult for Ghanaians to agree with one or few.

3. It would be difficult to translate or write documents in our local language.

4. English language makes our global communication and integration easier.

5. Too expensive and laborious to adopt and implement.

We have just resigned to fate or people just don’t want to talk about it because of the unspoken truth: ethnocentrism. Many hate the idea the opposite ethnic groups’ language would rather be chosen. For that matter, they would prefer a foreign language. Is that not internalized hate or oppression?

Are we really decolonized? Are we conflicted or confused groups? Speaking English makes us feel we are closer to being white or more “civilized”?

Fact is educational standards in Ghana are anything but equitable. Access to education particularly quality education and ability to speak fluent English is never equal. In fact, it is also not based on intelligence, academic aptitude or being a better person. Rather, access to education, its quality and level, and ability to speak English depends on family resources, fame, lineage, clan, connections and where the person resides (rural-urban, coastal vs interior), parents’ ability to privately acquire books, ability to afford private classes and actual schools attended, among others.

What gives people the audacity to ridicule or attack others’ humanity because we can speak better English? Since when did English language become a measure of humanity or intellectual aptitude? Who made English language a yardstick for determining someone’s respect or intelligence? Is this different from racism? Is this normal? Does it help? Or it destroys someone’s confidence and self-worth?

What should the English peope whose mother tongue we are speaking and discriminating against our own people with say to and about us? How should they treat us? Aren’t we ashamed of ourselves?

Aren’t we collectively setting ourselves up for ridicule? The funny thing is that the primary English speakers don’t ridicule people for speaking bad English; rather they try to understand a broken English or funny accented English and/or correct the speaker who struggles.

I find that embarrassing and quite shameful that many do that thinking they are rather “civilized ” or of higher standards than those who cannot.

The sad thing is, there are even different accents, forms and dialects of English and the Ghanaian version varies from the English language versions spoken elsewhere. Besides, the Ghanaian English is not the standard form used elsewhere; neither is it the most respected English version in the world.

As a society, we should grow up, learn to be positive, sensitive, teach and support the less privileged amongst us. We should respect people for their humanity and contributions, not because they can or cannot speak “good” English.

Let’s be kind to others.

Signed: Akosua G.

@akosgojack