The Ghana language ecosystem is a complex tapestry woven with numerous indigenous tongues alongside English, the official language. This multilingual reality plays a significant role in the country’s socio-economic fabric, influencing everything from daily interactions to labor market dynamics. On Africa’s LSP Podcast, researchers Colin Reilly, Angela Gayton, and Elvis ResCue shed light on the intricate relationship between language and employment in Ghana, revealing a reality far more nuanced than simple monolingual assumptions. 

Dr Colin Reilly, a Lecturer in Linguistics at the University of Stirling, Dr Angela Gayton, a Lecturer in Applied Linguistics and Education at the University of Glasgow, and Dr Elvis ResCue a Human Resource Professional and Applied Linguist, highlight the importance of multilingualism in the Ghanaian job market drawing from their research titled ⁠“Language and employment in Ghana: capturing the multilingual reality.“

The Multilingual Norm

The research challenges the notion of a monolingual Ghanaian labor market. More than half of the respondents in the study noted using multiple languages at work, highlighting that multilingualism is the norm rather than the exception. This finding holds true across various sectors, both formal and informal. In hospitals, schools, government offices, and even parliament, the use of multiple languages is prevalent. Indigenous languages such as Akan, Ewe, Ga, and Dagbani coexist with English, creating a rich linguistic environment.

The Role of Akan

Among the various languages used, Akan emerged as the most dominant in the workplace. A significant 57% of respondents selected Akan as their primary language at work, while only 21.9% selected English. This statistic underscores the importance of indigenous languages in the daily lives of Ghanaians and their professional interactions. However, a distinction exists between the formal and informal sectors. In the formal labor market, English is used by about 71.5% of respondents as the primary language, with Akan being used by 22%. In contrast, the informal labor market sees Akan as the primary language for 64% of the workforce, while English is the primary language for only 12%. This disparity highlights the different linguistic demands of various economic sectors and the essential role of Ghana language diversity.

Multilingualism Beyond the Workplace

The significance of multilingualism extends beyond the workplace. It permeates various facets of Ghanaian life, from religious practices to entertainment. Churches, music, and even movies often incorporate multiple languages, reflecting the country’s linguistic diversity. The creative industry recognizes the socio-economic power of multilingualism, with movies on platforms like Netflix frequently featuring a mix of English and indigenous languages. This trend underscores the value placed on linguistic diversity in popular culture and its economic implications.

The Economic Value of Multilingualism

The research emphasizes the economic value of Ghana language diversity and multilingualism. People’s linguistic repertoires, coupled with their educational backgrounds, significantly impact their economic opportunities. In informal market settings, traders often need to be multilingual to succeed. Individuals engaged in border trading may speak five or more languages to facilitate transactions. The ability to communicate in multiple languages enhances their ability to connect with diverse customers and expand their businesses. Market sellers in Accra, for instance, may learn Hausa, Ewe, or Dagbani to cater to the linguistic needs of their communities. This adaptability and linguistic proficiency contribute to their economic independence and success.

Policy Implications and Future Research

The findings of this research have significant implications for language policies in Ghana. The artificial monolingualizing observed at the policy level often ignores the multilingual reality on the ground. Recognizing and celebrating multilingualism as a resource, rather than a problem, is crucial. Policies should reflect the diverse linguistic landscape and support the use of indigenous languages in various sectors. The research team also highlighted the need for further investigation into regional and contextual variations in language use. Exploring the linguistic practices in specific communities, such as Zongo communities with a high density of Hausa speakers, can provide deeper insights into the complexities of Ghana language dynamics. Future research should also focus on developing more effective tools to capture the nuances of multilingual repertoires and understand how people navigate different languages in their daily lives.

Interdisciplinary Approach

The success of this research was attributed to its interdisciplinary approach. Linguists, economists, and development studies experts collaborated to explore the complexities of multilingualism in Ghana. This collaboration brought diverse perspectives and methodologies, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the issue. The team’s ability to combine quantitative data from surveys with qualitative insights from interviews allowed for a nuanced analysis of the relationship between language and economic opportunities. This interdisciplinary model serves as a valuable framework for future research in similar contexts.

Challenges and Limitations

The researchers also acknowledged the challenges and limitations of their study. Defining terms like “multilingual” and “mother tongue” can be complex, as these concepts may be interpreted differently by individuals. Determining language proficiency and how people make claims to knowing a specific language also poses challenges. Capturing the fluid nature of people’s language use in a survey format is difficult. However, the researchers emphasized the value of the STEP survey as a rare data source that provides information on labor market characteristics, language skills, and language use. Despite its limitations, the survey offers valuable insights into the Ghana language landscape.

The Ghana Language Landscape

The research on the Ghana language landscape reveals a complex and dynamic linguistic reality. Multilingualism is the norm, not the exception, and it plays a crucial role in the country’s socio-economic development. Indigenous languages such as Akan are vital in both formal and informal sectors, and the ability to speak multiple languages enhances economic opportunities. Recognizing and celebrating linguistic diversity is essential for creating inclusive policies that support the use of all languages.