Use of Ghanaian English in Kofi Awoonor's This Earth, My Brother

This book uses a literary text by a renowned Ghanaian scholar to investigate some aspects of the variety of English in Ghana, termed Ghanaian English.The study occurred at a time scholars were still embroiled in debates about the status and legitimacy of Ghanaian English in the context of global English.The novel used for this study -- This Earth My Brother ... -- was published in 1971, and the findings, reflecting usages even at that time, indicate significant innovation in English usage within the Ghanaian society of the novel's world. The study, thus, contributes to research on some aspects of Ghanaian English. It specifically highlights some lexical and syntactic features used innovatively in communication and their socio-cultural and linguistic implications to English in the country. The findings of this study, together with other studies on the sound and grammar of English in Ghana, make a strong case for the official establishment of Ghanaian English. Importantly, this book serves as a useful introductory reference material for those interested in or studying Englsih in Ghana, Nigeria, West Africa or any other society with similar geopolitical and linguistic reality.

Autorentext

Modestus Fosu is a lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), Accra, Ghana. Before then, he had worked as an English teacher at the Ghana Institute of Languages, Accra and was the Head of English Department before leaving to join GIJ. Modestus is currently on a PhD programme in communications studies at the University of Leeds, UK.