GIFTS

Words are Gifts


The Words I Speak

Being multilingual can be an advantage. Where I come from there are over sixty languages. It is actually mind-boggling. I speak one very well and understand about three others, although I’m unable to speak two of those very well.

Most of them time, when I am speaking to locals, I can switch between two languages especially when I need to express myself clearly. I am able to choose the language that does that well for me. It could also be between English and the language.

This is mainly because in Akan, (the name for a cluster of languages in Ghana), you can use proverbs and sayings to color your communication. Sometimes even short stories and specific words reveal more meaning than you would achieve by just speaking normally.

What I wish I could do well is to read and write one of the languages. I try to read the main one but I’m not yet fluent at that. Recently I attended a Thanksgiving service, where the words of the hymns were projected in Twi (one of the Akan languages). I was lucky the tune to the hymns were familiar because it took me a bit of time to catch up. It was hilarious as I was playing catch up all the time.

I also speak intermediate level French. Ghana is surrounded by French speaking countries, so French is a very important language that is taught in most schools..



4 responses to “The Words I Speak”

  1. It’s such an amazing place, 60 languages! I catch a nice glimpse of your multilingual journey here. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  2. This is such a gorgeous post, Juliette! I loved this line: you can use proverbs and sayings to color your communication.

    Thinking in more than one language is such a talent!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Using proverbs and saying and short stories to communicate more effectively? That sounds absolutely dreamy. Wow, what a delight! Beautiful post.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Juliette, this is fascinating about the way you choose different languages based on what you want to communicate. Like Britt said, that does sound dreamy to have stories and proverbs to communicate. I enjoyed imagining you trying to play catch up while singing a hymn in an unfamiliar written language.

    Liked by 1 person

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About Me

I am am Elementary school teacher at an International IB School in Accra, Ghana, West Africa. I write with groups of writers, such as Teach Write.

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