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Learn Ghanaian languages

How to learn Ghanaian languages

Greater Accra Region - learn ghanaian languages
Accra View Ghana

Ghana’s official language is English, however, there are more than 250 local languages. The question as a tourist or a person that loves the countries culture is how can I learn all of them. One thing to keep in mind is that Asante Twi is one of the local languages most people understand in the country. However, if you want to learn ghanaian languages as much as possible and understand the culture you may also want to pick up words or phrases that will help you communicate wherever you are based in the country if you want to get close to the local community. Below are some tips an websites that will help you in your goal.

Ghana Languages

Although English is the main language, There are a lot of local dialects spoken in Ghana (over 100, as highlighted below for example Asante/Twi has various dialects, such as Akuapem Twi which was chosen as the basis for the Bible translation in Twi. In many dialects the phonetics might be different, a speaker of Asante Twi can understand a speaker of Akuapem Twi although some words might differ in terms of pronunciation.

Ghana Language Twi

Spoken by over 2,8 million people in Ghana, including the various dialect of Twi it accounts for 9 million speakers, as Asante Twi, Fante Twi, Akuapem Twi are also included.

  • The site Ominiglot will help you understand the writing aspect of the Twi language.
  • Various books can also help you learn the language, books in Twi can be found in World languages website and also on Amazon
  • Other sites just like Memrise provide you with details lessons of vocabulary, grammar
  • Learn Akan will also provide you with all the aspects of the language from counting, synonyms and ways to express yourself in the language.
  • Dialogue-africa   provides you with free learning platform, for Twi and other ghana language, there is currently a free twi demo, which I would highly recommend
  • You can also learn the basics on youtube with this channel where you can also learn twi alphabet

Dagbani(Dagomba) language

Spoken by approximately 2 million people in Ghana, the language is compulsory to learn in primary and junior school in the Kingdom of Dagbon in the Eastern part of the country.

  • Omniglot Dagbani would provide you with information on the alphabet and pronunciation.

Ewe Language

Spoken by 6-7 million people in the country as a first or second language, mainly in Southeastern part of Ghana, Ewe is a tonal language.

  • Omniglot Ewe would provide you with information on the alphabet and pronunciation.
  • Live Lingua also provide a manual on how to learn Ewe.

Ga Language

The GA language is mainly spoken in the capital of the country of Accra.

  • Omniglot Ga would provide you with information on the alphabet and pronunciation.
  • Learnganow specializes in people wanting to learn Ga