Language Choice in Multilingual Communities: The Case of Larteh, Ghana

Abstract

In a multilingual community, the multilingual speaker needs to make the right language choice which principally depends on the domain of usage and the linguistic repertoire of speech participants. This paper investigates factors that govern language choices that multilingual speakers make in Larteh, a multilingual community. The study is informed by insights from the Markedness Model, developed by Myers-Scotton (1993, 1998). Larteh is a non-reciprocal bilingual community, where the people speak Leteh 2 and Akuapem Twi (Johnson, 1973, p. i). English is the third language for those who have had formal education. In this paper, three domains of language use are examined: education, tradition, and religion. Data from an interview survey on language use and participant observations are employed. The paper notes that due to changes in various spheres of life in Larteh, current language use patterns in the community differ from what pertained about three decades ago (Johnson, 1973, 1975). Subsequently, factors that determine language choice are gradually undergoing some modification.

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“…Ghana is described as a multilingual and multiethnic state (Ansah 2014, Opoku-Amankwa 2009. Although there is lack of consensus on the total number of languages in Ghana, there seems to be an agreement among scholars on the 'majority' and minority division of the local languages (Yevudey andAgbozo 2019, Obeng 1997).…”

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“…Various factors contribute to the choice and preference of a language for interaction; some of the factors which contribute to the language choice patterns include prestige, power, and dominance (Dweik & Qawar, 2015). The choice of the language also depends on the domain in which the interaction takes place that is family, friend or offices and the choice of the language also greatly depends on the participants who are involved in the conversation (Ansah, 2014).…”

“…The choice of a language has different purposes behind it; people choose to communicate in a certain language according to their needs and always adjust their linguistic practices with new circumstances (Qawar, 2014). According to Ansah (2014) who studied language choice of people in Larteh (a district in Ghana) which is a multilingual community, the languages which are spoken by the people in Ghana are Leteh, Akuapem Twi, and English. One specific language doesn't actually prevail in their society, but, they choose language according to the situation; for example, in church people choose Twi and sometimes code-switching between English and Twi.…”