LANGUAGE IN INDIA

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Volume 26:1 January 2026
ISSN 1930-2940

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The Evolution of Ghanaian English: Trends and Insights

Sena Kwaku Kumah, B.A, M.Phil.
Genevieve Enyonam Atakro B.A, M.Phil. and
Kafui Mishio-Ametame, B.A, MPhil.

Abstract

This study delves into the dynamic landscape of Ghanaian English, exploring its evolving linguistic trends across various branches of linguistics. The primary objective is to discern and categorize these trends, shedding light on their prevalence and significance. Drawing from the fields of sociolinguistics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics, the study examined the levels at which these trends manifest. This paper identified and described the prevailing trends in Ghanaian English. Through comprehensive linguistic analysis, the study unveils the various linguistic shifts that have shaped this unique variety of English over time. From lexicon to pronunciation, these trends reflect the rich interplay of linguistic influences in Ghana. It also assessed the levels at which these trends operate within the various branches of linguistics. The paper scrutinized how these linguistic phenomena manifest in sociolinguistic contexts, such as sociolect variations, code-switching, and language contact. Additionally, it explored their impact on phonological patterns, morphological structures, syntactic constructions, and semantic nuances. Finally, the paper provided concrete examples of these trends across the linguistic branches. By analysing real-world instances, this study offers a comprehensive view of the linguistic evolution in Ghanaian English. Through extensive data collection and analysis, the paper presents compelling evidence of the ongoing transformation and adaptation of this language variety and its socioeconomic impacts. This research contributes to our understanding of the intricate dynamics of Ghanaian English, offering valuable insights into the broader field of linguistic trends within sociolinguistic and structural contexts. It underscores the need for continued exploration of language variation and change, particularly in regions where English has taken on a unique identity.

Keywords:Ghanaian English, trends, phonology, lexical, syntactic, morphological

Introduction

The use of English as the official language in Ghana can be traced to the period of independence and colonialism where the language was passed on by the British to the then Gold Coast in the 16th century (Adika, 2012). English is now utilised across all discourse levels in Ghana, encompassing governance, education, religion, administration, business, commerce, media, entertainment, and other spheres. Kachru (1998) argues that as the English Language leaves its original home, new varieties arise. These varieties of the English Language are currently termed New Englishes or World Englishes, and have evolved into varieties which serve a wide range of purposes, and at the same time, developed their own character (Jenkins, 2003).

These varieties and characters differ from the native varieties, typically the two leading standard varieties: British English and American English. Ghana's use of English and its variety falls within Kachru's (1998) outer circle (ESL) in his three concentric circles. Ghana’s variety of English, initially referred to as Gold Coast English by Brown and Scragg (1948) is now referred to as Ghanaian English with literature crediting its coinage to Grieve (1964) and its popularity to Sey (1973). Sey (1973) opines that English language as used in the Ghanaian context is not used as it was transported from its original home. He then defines Ghanaian English as that kind of English that is currently used in a way which is peculiar to Ghanaian context.

Kumah (2025) defines Ghanaian English as that dynamic variety that blends Standard English with indigenous linguistic expressions, accents, grammatical structures, creativity, and pidgins, forming a communicative medium that is mutually intelligible and accepted in both formal and informal settings, widely used in schools, churches, homes, and public spaces. Its uniqueness lies in its strong connection to local languages, which shape its pronunciation and vocabulary. Owusu-Ansah (1996:22-23) on the other hand, discusses that Ghanaian English can be discussed as a nativised language. He explains this nativisation as “norm-breaking and standardization of the English language in Ghana”. He discusses that Ghanaian English like any other variety of English, does show different features from standard English. Ghanaian English is a unique variety of English spoken in Ghana, which exhibits distinct linguistic features influenced by the local languages and cultural context.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Sena Kwaku Kumah, B.A, M.Phil.
English Language
University of Education, Winneba
kumahsena1@gmail.com

Genevieve Enyonam Atakro B.A, M.Phil.
English Language
University of Education, Winneba
geneenyokro@gmail.com
&
Kafui Mishio-Ametame, B.A, MPhil.
English Language
University of Education, Winneba
mishioametame@gmail.com
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